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Receiving Mechanics |
| ...the right way goes a long way |
Most times than not the objective when receiving a ball is to be able to quickly throw it. Therefore, the quicker a ball player can receive and throw a ball the more success he/she will experience on the field of play.
To receive the ball with optimal efficiency and effectiveness one must consider stance and receiving actions.
Like most athletic "ready" positions, the receiving stance must start with balance. The feet should be shoulder-width apart with the legs slightly bent and the bulk of the weight on the balls of the feet. This enables quick reactionary movements in the event of errant throws. The receiver should always start facing the thrower providing the thrower with a big target. A big target consists of holding both of the hands (gloved and bare) at shoulder-height.
An important, often overlooked, factor in good receiving funamentals is the position of the ball to be received. In order to receive and throw the ball in the shortest amount of time it is essential the ball be received on the throwing side of the body.
Once a good receiving stance is established, the player must turn his/her attention to the actual receiving action. First and foremost is the positioning of the glove. A good rule of thumb is the "circle rule". Starting at the navel (or six o'clock position), the glove should be positioned with the fingers pointed down. As the glove moves clockwise to the neck area (or twelve o'clock) the fingers should be pointing up. In keeping with the clockwise movement, if the ball ends up anywhere between the 1 and five o'clock positions, the player is making a back hand catch. However, the reality is, the player should rarely have to catch the ball on his/her back hand. In order to throw a ball quickly the player must position themselves to catch the ball at chest height on their throwing side.
To further ensure a quick throw after receiving the ball the player should follow the ball into the glove with his or her bare hand. This will put the ball in the throwing hand in an efficient manner ensuring a quick release. In fact, a coach should consider teaching players never to close their gloves over the ball unless having to stretch out for a catch (such as a dive). An excellent drill for all players is to ask them to play catch without their gloves (younger ball players should use a tennis ball). This drill all but assures they use two hands to catch the ball.
Finally, now that the ball player knows how to position the glove and use the bare hand to cover the ball, it is important they absorb the ball into the glove. Providing shock absorption minimizes the risk of the ball popping out of the glove. In order to receive the ball with some shock absorption the player must extend the arms so that there is a slight bend in the elbows. As the ball is about to enter the glove, the player should cushion the catch by gently bringing the hands to the chest as if to apply the "brakes" to the throw.
In summary, to best accomplish a quick and accurate release of the ball, the player needs to be balanced, receive the ball on the throwing side of the body, cover the ball with the bare hand and cushion the throw by absorbing it into his/her chest.
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