ESPN Drill

Purpose:

To emphasize catching with their ‘eyes’, and using proper catching technique.

Setup:

Two cones, with a line at each end. There will be just one quarterback on one end, and a number of receivers on the other.

Execution:

The quarterback will throw to the player at the front of the line, who will zero in on the ball with their eyes and catch it – and then freeze. This is so that you as the coach can make sure they’re looking the ball in and not just grabbing at it with their hands.

If you can get a quarterback to throw the ball for this drill instead of having to do it yourself, you’ll free yourself up to focus more on the players technique, and allow your quarterback to get some reps throwing the football – always a good thing. Just make sure to remind him not to always throw the ball dead center. Have him work on locations; up, down, left, right. This will not only make the receivers work more, but it will keep your quarterback dialed in and challenged

Coaching Tips:

• While you do want your players to avoid catching with their body, it’s actually more important that they catch with their eyes. When they see the pass coming, they should form a triangle with their index fingers and thumbs, and stare the ball down through this triangle. I tell them to imagine that their nose and the football are connected on a string, and where ever that football goes, their nose should follow!
• Encourage players to focus on tracking the ball into their hands, emphasizing hand-eye coordination and the importance of watching the ball all the way in for a successful catch.
• Teach players to adjust their body positioning in response to the ball’s trajectory, ensuring they’re correctly aligned to make the catch effectively.
• Stress the need for ‘soft hands’ when catching, which involves gently receiving the ball rather than slapping at it, to reduce the chances of dropping the ball.

For Younger Athletes:

• Start with the basics of catching, focusing on forming a triangle with their hands and following the ball with their eyes and nose, as described in the drill.
• Begin with slower throws to help them build confidence, gradually increasing the speed as they become more adept at the drill, thus improving their reaction time.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage younger players, acknowledging every successful catch and providing constructive feedback for improvement.

For Older Athletes:

• Introduce more challenging catches, including throws that are purposely off-target, requiring players to stretch or dive to make the catch, thus enhancing their agility and responsiveness.
• Incorporate concentration drills where multiple balls are thrown quickly one after the other, improving focus and coordination under pressure.
• Include elements that mimic real game situations, such as running routes or having a defender contest the catch, to prepare them for actual game scenarios and improve their catching ability under various types of pressure.