The first thing a receiver needs to learn is the correct way to hold his hands to make a reception. For all passes that are even with the receiver's numbers or above, the thumbs and the first fingers of the receiver's hands should be together. They should form a basket or cone in which the ball will be caught.

With his hands in this position the receiver should be able to cradle the ball and make the catch. If the receiver is having trouble making receptions and dropping passes, the problem usually will be that he has not cocked his wrists and the palms of both hands are facing down. With the palms of his hands in this position, the ball on contact will have a natural tendency to be deflected down into the ground.

If the pass is delivered below the numbers, the receiver will have to change the position of his hands as he makes the catch. Instead of having the thumbs together, the receiver must put his little fingers together, causing his hands to form a basket or mitt in which to make the reception.