Techniques to Improve Your Catching

Being able to catch the football is an essential skill that the majority of football players should try to perfect. This blog is not just for the wide receivers and tight ends. We’ve seen many scenarios where multiple positions have needed to make easy or contested catches. Every football player should look to improve this area of their game daily. Here are three tips to improve your catching ability.

           1. Catch multiple footballs daily
This first entry may seem obvious but the best way to improve your catching is to catch the ball. If you own a football and have someone who is willing to throw you the ball you should attempt to catch at least 100 passes a day. These catches can be stationary (forward, sideways, and over the shoulder) or in active movement. You should train yourself to be prepared to make catches at different angles and body positions.

           2. Hand eye coordination
It is important for football players to have great hand eye coordination especially when it comes to catching the ball. You should be able to track the ball at a high level. A lot of times the ball is already in the air before the receiver or defenders eyes can see the ball thrown. This is why it is important to pick the flight and location of the ball as quickly as possible. This can help players with deep passes, contested passes, low passes, etc. Here are some ways you can improve your hand eye coordination: 

• Catching tennis balls
• Juggling 
• Last second catching drills
• Distraction catches
  
   3. Grip Strength 

Grip strength is especially important for those tough contested passes. You need to have a stronghold on the football. Think of players who have made spectacular catches over the years such as Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry,  and Deandre Hopkins. They all have great grip strength. This is when the weight room comes into play. He are some ways to improve your grip strength: 

• Farmers walks
• Deadlift
• Isometric grip holds (Barbell, Dumbbell, or a plate)
• Rice Bucket (fill a bucket with rice and use your hands to dig deep and smash the rice) 
• Pull ups/chin-up 

For those interested in improving their catching ability sign-up for our 1-day positional camps March 29th-April 1st. 
Link: 
https://perfect-performancenova.leagueapps.com/events/2111902-perfect-performance-football-position-clinics
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