Coaching session to gain confidence with the high ball

Jump off the ground

The player in the air is protected by the Laws. Nobody can interfere with him. A player in the air is also closer to the ball than a player on the ground.

Eyes on the ball

The catcher has to watch the ball all the way into the hands.

Cradle for the ball

The catcher should create a large “cradle” with the arms, hands and chest to maximise the chances of catching the ball. He should keep his elbows in so the ball doesn’t go through the bottom of the cradle.

Protect the stomach

The softer belly area is a distraction for players concerned with getting hit there. Protecting the stomach by raising the knee in front of it creates assurance. Driving the knee upwards to this position also aids the jump.

Turn sideways

Catchers should turn side-on to the ball so that, should they drop it, the ball will travel backwards, avoiding a knock-on. As confidence grows, catchers could progress to catching the ball higher in its path Aussie Rules style.

In this case, the player turns his hands outwards and up towards the ball. Though this is best only attempted in dry conditions where the sun is not shining in the catcher’s eyes.