Catching A Football

This is not really a secret; the best way to catch the ball is to use both hands. However, in some instances you need to use your body to keep the ball from falling off your hands. Catching the ball either with your hand or your body will not be effective enough without using the proper technique. The very first thing to remember when catching a football is to get in the right position. You may want to place your body facing where the ball is coming from. This way, you will be able to react properly on the ball's movement. Once you get the position, slightly bend your legs with your feet, shoulder-length apart. If the ball is moving above your head, raise your arms with your elbows slightly bent. Your index fingers and thumbs on both hands touch, forming a spade-shape to catch the nose of the ball. It is important to lock your eyes on the target to catch the ball properly. If the ball is moving towards your midsection, you can either catch the ball with your hands (with thumbs and pinkies on both hands touch) or using your arms and abdomen although this is a bit dangerous. Either way, you should maintain the right body position with knees slightly bent and eyes lock on the target. Be ready to catch any type of ball, though. If you are catching the ball that is below your knees, you may want to use your body. There are instances where you have to catch the ball running. To do this you have to outrun all your opponents and get a clear path. Run on a straight direction while looking back in split seconds to calculate the speed of the ball against your forward motion. You should be able to know how fast you have to run in order to make the catch. This type of passing play takes more practice and the skill required is more advanced. The best way to catch the ball running is to allow the ball to drop in front of you. This way you can stretch your arms and use your hands. In all cases, defenders will do everything to intercept or take the ball away from you. You have to make sure that you separate yourself from the defenders and protect the ball once you have it.
Related Articles:

• A General Picture Of American Football
• Basic Football For Dummies
• Basics Of Football
• Becoming A Good Football Player
• Throwing A Perfect Football Pass
• Kids Football: Safety First
• Football 10-Yard Penalties
• Football 15-Yard Penalties