Catching

Overview

Catching is the easiest part of playing receiver. We all have played catch before, when you're in a game always remember that. BUT you can also improve your catching by learning these tips we're going to go over.

Why do I drop the ball?

Anyone can catch the ball, literally anyone. They just first need to learn the right way and not only that correct some tiny mistakes they're most likely making. Here are the best tips for improving your hands:

1. RELAX, if you're a receiver and you're dropping the ball then you're probably thinking way too much. There are so many times when I have players who drop the ball and almost knew they were going to drop it before they even run the route. So please, relax and remember that you're just playing catch.

2. Keep you're eye on the ball, look it all the way into the tuck. Most of the time when professionals drop the ball this is the reason why. They take their eye of the ball way too early and start to run and it slips out.

3. USE YOUR FINGERTIPS! Always do your best to use your fingertips not your palms. If you watch Odell Beckham's greatest catch ever he literally only used 3 fingertips to do it. Your fingertips are soft while your palms are hard.

4. It also helps to spread your fingers out as much as possible, making your hand a much larger place for the ball to land.

5. Use two hands when possible (of course), it's better than trying to look cool and drop the ball. BUT also know when one hand is better than two. Cases when a one handed catch would be if the defender is holding your arm or if the QB throws a ball that's out of reach with two hands.

BONUS TIP: Stretch your fingers out before catching or when at home bored. It'll keep them warm and/or loose.