Not every catch is created equal. Wide receivers are put in different situations and scenarios each time the ball is in the air. It’s important that the receivers adjust their hands based on the trajectory of the ball.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to coach the most common types of catches and show you how you can practice them with your wide receivers.
Different Types Of Catches For Receivers
Not every catch is created equal. These types of catches should be practiced consistently so the receiver is prepared for the good, bad, and ugly throws that may come their way.
Diamond Catch
The first and most common catch is the diamond catch. This is called the diamond catch because the thumbs and index fingers should be connected, like a diamond.
This catch is when the ball is thrown to the receiver at the chest to face mask level. This throw is ideal for the wide receiver because they can naturally catch the football with their thumbs together, tuck the ball away, and gain additional yards.
Quarterbacks want to target this zone as it’s the easiest for the wide receiver to catch.
To coach the diamond catch technique:
- The receiver should track the ball and form their hands in the shape of a diamond (both thumbs and index fingers touching). This shape will help the hands go around the football and make it easier for the receiver to catch the ball.
- Next, their eyes should be glued to the football. This means tracking it all the way from when it leaves the quarterback’s hands until it safely and securely lands in ours. Overexaggerate this part when you drill the football. I tell my players to “be dramatic” about looking for the ball.
- Last, secure and tuck the football with the anticipation that you’re going to run up the field.
Basket Catch
The basket catch is when the quarterback throws the wide receiver a deep throw, and they need to catch it over their shoulder. This is often seen on go, post, and any deep tracking route.
To execute a basket catch:
- The receiver’s pinkies should be touching, as they will safely and securely guide the ball into their arms, aka the basket.
- Both arms should be parallel as the football drops in. Combined with the pinkies being together, this will create a nice landing zone for the football to be caught in.
The basket catch, along with the diamond catch, should be worked on every single day.
50/50 Catch
The 50/50 catch is exactly like it sounds: the ball is in the air, and we have a 50/50 chance to catch the football.
The receiver should win positioning first (most important), then jump as high as they can and catch the ball at its highest point.
At the high point, the receiver should have his thumbs and index fingers together, and squeeze the ball on impact as it will try to be ripped out by the defender.
The highest point is the point where the receiver can jump, extend their arms as high as possible, and secure the catch.
Low Ball Catch
Next, the low-ball catch is a unique circumstance for the wide receiver, but it could happen and should be prepared for. The low ball catch is a ball that is thrown below the thighs. This ball should not be caught, and no yards are gained because the receiver has fallen to the ground.
The low-ball catch should be a continuation catch. This means after it’s caught, the receiver should continue to try to get as many yards as they can.
Both pinkies should be together as they shape the football into a basket. The eyes should track the football and stay on the football until the first upfield movement occurs.
Most drops occur with the low-ball catch because the receiver tries to turn upfield too fast and takes their eyes off the football.
Diving Catch
The diving catch is when the receiver completely sells out to catch the football. This means they are in full extension and selling out their bodies for the catch.
The diving catch also should have both pinkies together, basket-shaped hands, and the arms locked out parallel. When extending for a diving catch, the player should expect to secure the ball and the impact to follow.
The catch should be coupled with a catch and roll, or a catch and tuck. Both should be done with parallel arms.
Practice these catches every day to ensure your wide receivers see every type of football thrown their way.
Inside our membership vIQtory Pro, you’ll find exact instructions and tutorials on how to turn average wide receivers into dominant targets that can win vs any coverage.
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