How to Catch a Football

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Catch high or low passes with ease with our help

Co-authored by Brendon Rearick and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 Approved

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Practicing Good Catching Form

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Catching an Accurate or High Pass

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Receiving a Low Pass

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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.

How do you catch a football?

Put your arms out above your head or down low depending on where the football was thrown. Catch the tip of the football in your fingers and squeeze it tightly to hold onto it securely, After you catch the ball, tuck it close to your chest to keep it protected.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Practicing Good Catching Form

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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]
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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]
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- 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]
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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]
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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]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Catching an Accurate or High Pass

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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.
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.
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]
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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]
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The tips of your fingers should be firmly gripped on the football so it's secure in your hands. ^{[8]
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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]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Receiving a Low Pass

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Lower your hands so they're ready to receive the low pass. Line them up with the trajectory of the football. ^{[10]
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- 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.
The palms of your hands should be facing out toward the ball. Keep your fingers stretched apart. ^{[11]
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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.
The tip of the football should go through the gap and then stop once the rest of the ball meets your hands.
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.
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.

Tom Brady, Professional Football Player

Once you've developed your football skills, focus on improving your mental game. "Every quarterback can throw a ball, every running back can run, every receiver is fast, but mental toughness is what translates into competitiveness."

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Question

How can I catch a bullet pass?

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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.

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How do I get better at catching in traffic?

Donagan

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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.

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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.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Build confidence catching passes daily even without a quarterback. Have someone randomly throw you balls of varying speeds and trajectories to hone reflexes and technique reacting to different ball placement.
Imagine the ball is constantly coming your way, whether in practice or a game. Stay alert and keep moving your feet so you're always ready to react and adjust your body and hands to make the catch.
Expect some hits going over the middle for passes, but don't let defenders distract you from securing catches. Your focus should stay completely on the ball, regardless of impending contact.
Securing the ball against your body once caught protects it from defenders trying to jar it loose. Make holding onto the ball your sole focus rather than turning upfield prematurely.
Avoid attempting one-handed grabs in games since those rely more on luck. Use proper hand positioning like the diamond or pinky catch to seize the ball with maximum control.
Getting contacts or wearing sports glasses aids catching by giving you clearer vision on the ball's flight path and distance. Don't let blurry vision cause errors.

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How to Catch a Football

How do you catch a football?

Steps

Practicing Good Catching Form

Catching an Accurate or High Pass

Receiving a Low Pass

Community Q&A

Video

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Tips

Tips from our Readers

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