Mastering the Lay Out: The “Kneeling Catch Drill” for Fearless Receivers
The “Kneeling Catch Drill” equips wide receivers (WRs) with the essential technique for executing a diving catch, a skill critical for making spectacular plays and extending their range on the field. This drill focuses on proper diving form, hand positioning, and landing mechanics, ensuring WRs can snag the ball securely while minimizing the risk of injury.
Purpose
Develop Diving Technique: This drill trains WRs in the proper mechanics of diving for a low pass. They learn to extend their bodies fully, reaching for the ball with outstretched hands while maintaining control throughout the catch.
Refine Hand Positioning: WRs practice creating a large target with their hands, maximizing their chance of catching the ball securely during a dive.
Master Safe Landing: The drill emphasizes landing safely on the side after the catch, minimizing the risk of injuries like fumbles or chest/abdominal impacts.
Description
Drill Setup
WR Positioning: Line up all WRs ten yards away from the coach, facing them in a kneeling position. This starting position simulates a scenario where the WR needs to react quickly to a low pass.
Distance Adjustment (Optional): For younger players or beginners, the coach can shorten the distance between the WRs and the throwing position combined with a slower throw, eventually even throwing under hand, allowing for more controlled dives and easier catches.
Drill Execution
Throw and Dive: On the coach’s signal, the coach throws the ball on a low trajectory, simulating a pass that requires the WR to extend their body for the catch. Upon seeing the throw, the WR explodes forward with a strong push-off from their knees, propelling themselves towards the ball.
Full Extension and Catch: WRs should extend their bodies fully, reaching out with their hands and creating a large target for the ball. They should focus on catching the ball with their fingers and bringing it securely into their chest.
Side Landing: After securing the catch, WRs should aim to land on their side, absorbing the impact with their shoulder and hip. This minimizes the risk of injuries compared to landing on their stomach.
Repeat and Switch Sides: Once a WR completes a successful catch and landing, they jog back to the starting position and the drill repeats with the next WR in line. Perform the drill from both sides to ensure proper technique from either side.
Progression
As WRs demonstrate improvement in their diving technique, the coach can gradually increase the difficulty:
Increase Throw Speed: Slowly increase the speed of the throws, simulating the velocity of game-like passes.
Underhand Throws (Initial Phase): For younger players or beginners, the coach can initially throw underhand tosses. This allows them to focus on the diving mechanics and catching technique before progressing to faster, overhand throws.
Coaching Points
Explosive Push-Off: Emphasize the importance of a strong and explosive push-off from the kneeling position. This propels the WR towards the ball and allows them to reach for a greater distance.
Full Body Extension: Instruct WRs to fully extend their bodies during the dive, maximizing their reach and creating a larger catching surface.
Eyes on the Ball: Stress the importance of keeping their eyes focused on the ball throughout the entire diving motion. This ensures they track the ball’s trajectory and adjust their hand positioning accordingly.
Hand Positioning: Coach WRs to create a large target with their hands, fingers spread wide, to increase the chance of a secure catch.
Safe Landing Technique: Emphasize the importance of landing on their side after the catch. Instruct them to absorb the impact with their shoulder and hip, minimizing the risk of injury.
Equipment
Footballs
The “Kneeling Catch Drill” is a valuable tool for developing WRs’ diving technique and confidence. By incorporating this drill and its variations, coaches can equip their WRs with the skills to make spectacular plays, extend their range on the field, and ultimately contribute significantly to the team’s success.
