How to Catch a Football

Co-authored by Kyle Hall

Last Updated: April 5, 2022 References Approved

Whether you want to play football on a team or in a backyard with your friends, learning how to catch the ball is a must. The way you catch a football depends on what kind of pass you're receiving, but there are some general rules you should always follow, like keeping your eye on the ball at all times. By practicing regularly and working on your form, you can start catching the football whenever it's passed to you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Practicing Good Catching Form

1
Keep your eyes on the football. You want to be watching the football the entire time it's in the air. Pick a spot on the football - the white strip or the tip of the ball - and lock your eyes on that spot until the ball is in your hands.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Use your fingers to catch the football, not your palms. Your fingers should be the first thing to come into contact with the ball. Make sure they're slightly bent and ready to grab onto the ball when it comes your way.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you're hearing a loud thud noise every time you catch the ball, you might be catching with your palms and not your fingers.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Catch the football with soft hands. Soft hands are when your fingers and wrists are flexible and slightly relaxed. You want your hands to give a little bit when they come into contact with the ball. Catching with stiff, hard hands makes it more likely that the ball will bounce off you when you try to catch it.^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Keep your arms extended away from your body. Whether you're catching a regular pass (above the waist) or a low pass (below the waist), you want your arms to be slightly bent and extended outward. Extending your arms will give them room to respond to the impact when you catch the ball.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Catching an Accurate or High Pass

1
Raise your hands so they're in line with where the football is heading. You want to track which direction the football is heading in so you can get your hands in the right spot to catch it.
- For example, if you're running for the football and it's on your left, raise your arms up and extend them out to the left.
2
Reach high for the football if it's a high pass. Stretch both of your arms up above your head so you're ready to catch the ball when it passes over you. You can also jump into the air with your arms stretched upward to help you reach the ball.
3
Make a diamond shape with your hands. Spread your fingers apart on both hands so they're completely stretched out. With your palms facing outward, touch the tips of your two pointer fingers together and the tips of your thumbs together. This will create a diamond shape between your two hands.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
Catch the tip of the football in the diamond shape when it reaches your hands. The tip of the football should go through the diamond and then stop once the center of the ball comes into contact with your hands.^{[7]
X
Research source}
5
Squeeze your fingers around the outside of the football. The tips of your fingers should be firmly gripped on the football so it's secure in your hands.^{[8]
X
Research source}
6
Use both hands to tuck the ball between your biceps and your chest. Hold the ball against your biceps and chest using the hand on that side of the body. Let go of the football with your other hand. Now run with the football before someone tackles you.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Receiving a Low Pass

1
Lower your hands so they're ready to receive the low pass. Line them up with the trajectory of the football.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you see the football flying through the air at around the same level as your hips, move your hands down toward your hips so they're prepared to catch the ball.
2
Turn your hands so your fingers are pointing down at the ground. The palms of your hands should be facing out toward the ball. Keep your fingers stretched apart.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Cross your pinky fingers so they form an “x” shape. Make sure your pinky fingers are firmly pressed together so the football doesn't slide through your hands when you catch it.
- Practice positioning your hands like this when you're not playing football so it comes naturally when you're on the field.
4
Catch the tip of the football in the open space above your crossed pinky fingers. The tip of the football should go through the gap and then stop once the rest of the ball meets your hands.
5
Squeeze your other fingers around the football to secure your catch. Bring the tips of your thumbs up and around the outside of the football and clamp them down on the ball. Wrap the rest of your fingers around the bottom of the ball.
6
Lift the ball up and tuck it between your chest and biceps. Hold the ball in place using the hand on that side of your body. Let go of the ball with your other hand and start running to the end zone.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I catch a bullet pass?

Community Answer

Keep as much focus as possible on the ball as it flies and try to estimate where the throw will go. Keep your hand waiting there in a catching position. Also, move your hand back slightly when the ball comes to cushion the impact.
Question

How do I get better at catching in traffic?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It's a matter of concentration. You have to convince yourself that at that moment the only things that exist are you and the ball. Once you've completed the catch, then you immediately look for your opponents and your teammates.
Question

I'm a short receiver, so in the game the QB barely looks my way, but when he does I catch it. Should I go to RB, or what?

Community Answer

Practice makes perfect and short receivers are usually fast, so if you can actually get past your defender then the QB should see you wide open and you'll get the ball.