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Catching the high ball

When you play good rugby catching the high ball is a useful skill, vital for the full back and wings. Do it well and you are a valuable asset for the team.

Progress from rugby catching basics

When you catch the high ball
it's very important you keep hold of it.
Make sure you have good handling skills

Build good catching skills.
Have a solid foundation.
Be sure you visit or have visited the page
know the rugby catching basics before
you go a lot further.

Catching the high ball is vital

The opposition kicks high
   to make ground and intimidate opponents.
Their fastest runners are
   racing towards you
   to distract you and to regain possession of the ball
Being a rugby ball
   coming down from a good height
   it could bounce anywhere
   and cause serious problems for your team.

You defuse the situation when you

catch the ball before it bounces.

This is VITAL!!!

You do it...naturally

You`re a natural catcher.
For a long time now
   you have been reaching out
   like babies do for things you want.
Just one small change
   you reach upwards instead of reaching out.
Keep your eyes wide open
   fixed on the ball
   you really want to hold it.

You will perform well
   after concentrated practice.
So do it often enough
   and you will soon do it in games
   and be considered highly skilled.

Practice, practice, practice and more practice
   and make sure you enjoy it!
Catching the high ball.

How do you catch the high ball?

It`s a natural progression from the basic handling skills.

The ball is kicked high and it travels
   through the air and down towards you.

You have been reading the game
   so you are well positioned to receive the kick.

As the ball travels towards you
   you keep your eyes on the ball.
Your brain processes the information
   combines it with your thoughts of catching the ball
   and guides you into position.

It does this because
   like all those who are highly skilled
   you have done it enough previously
   for your mind to know what is required.

You reach up high towards the ball
   both hands reaching equally
   with plenty of time before the ball arrives
   elbows close to each other in front of your chest Catching the high ball - reaching up for the ball

Catching the high ball - reaching up for the ball

   fingers prepared for the catch
   as developed in handling practice.

Eyes and touch tell you that
   you have contact with the ball.

You start to "give".
Taking the shock out of the ball hitting your body.
As you make contact
   fingers mould to the shape of the ball
   arms move swiftly down towards your chest
   and your chest "gives" because
   your bending knees
   turn your legs into shock absorbers.

You bring the ball to your chest
   gripping it with your fingers
   and enfolding it in your arms.
The only place it`s going now
   is where you send it or take it.

Time for a counter attack!

Catching the high ball - variations

The more you practice
   the more you will find
   you pull in difficult kicks.

Skillful opponents are willing and able
   to take advantage of any positioning errors.
They kick well
   and make it difficult to catch the ball before it bounces
You run hard you know you will not get there in time
   but you will be...nearly there.

You know if the ball bounces
   it creates too many problems.

What do you do?

Dive! for the ball

And catch it ...of course!

If the opposition kicks well
you may find you are under severe pressure
from opposition players chasing the ball
to regain possession.

What do you do?

Leap! for the ball

And catch it ...of course!

You are safe...until you land.

The more you practice catching the high ball
the more you will become skillful
and it will show!

Kicking the high ball

Sometimes it's a good way to attack and
put the opposition under pressure.
Find out how to kick a ball high above the field
when you follow the next link.
In rugby it's often called an up and under
because you kick the ball high up in the air
with your players racing along under it
to get to where it will land
so you can regain possession.

Return from Catching the high ball to Rugby catching

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia