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One teaching point that will help young receivers is that they should think of using the inside of the palm of one hand as the area for making contact with the point of the ball. The hand used as the mitt of the catch always should be the hand on the side of the pass; the other hand should be used in surrounding and controlling the ball. If the ball arrives on the right side of the receiver, the player should think of using the palm of his right hand as the mitt or contact point. The left hand then helps secure the ball during the catch and, later, in securing the ball between his arm and body. Each time that a tight end or wide receiver makes a reception it is vital that they immediately "put the ball away," grasping it firmly by the point and squeezing it tight to their body with their forearm. The hand of the receiver that serves as the mitt, making contact with the point of the ball, should remain on the point, and he should use this hand to begin turning the ball in toward the center of his body Using his other hand, the player should continue turning the ball, allowing him to place the uncovered end or back of the ball securely up into his armpit. On a pass that comes over the receiver's head, it will not be necessary to physically turn the ball. Contact with the mitt hand will take place with the point of the ball that is farthest from the receiver's body. In this case, the receiver need only guide the ball with his opposite hand into the armpit position and grasp it firmly to his body with the mitt hand and arm. Whenever a receiver makes a catch in a game, he is going to be hit by a defensive player. Because of this fact, the receiver must know how to secure and must concentrate on securing the ball immediately after each catch. One of the cardinal sins that can be committed by any wide receiver or tight end is to make a great reception, run for a big gain, and then turn the ball over to the defense by fumbling when he is hit. Before a receiver can think of running with the ball, he must accomplish two things. First, he must make the reception, and second, he must secure the ball. Every yard he gains after making the catch is frosting on the cake. But it only can be done if he has the ball in his possession.
Play Football The NFL Way is the ultimate football manual for coaches and beginning players who want to learn the basics of football correctly. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For a personalized autographed copy of Play Football the NFL Way, plus information on the new Coach Bass Sport Maps - football guides that aid in watching and enjoying college and professional football, please visit http://www.CoachBass.com. For information on Coach Bass' In-Depth Coaching Clinics go to http://www.Takeaknee.com.
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