1. Football Skills: Catching a football Mrs. Hawkins/ Ms. Sechrist

2. Step One Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. A good way to stay zeroed on the ball is to watch the "X" on the tip of the ball.

3. Step Two: Catching above the waist Make a triangle with both hands, palms facing away from your body. Thumbs pointing at each other, all other fingers pointing up. You want the tip of the ball heading for the open space in between your two hands.

4. Step Two: Catching Below the waist If the ball is below the waist, palms still face out, but put your pinkies together. If you are running and the ball is coming over you should also put you pinkies together.

5. Step Three Extend your arms toward the ball, as the ball approaches, so your hands meet it at the furthest possible point. If below the waist If above the waist

6. Step Four Catch the ball, letting it get about halfway between your hands before clamping down on it with all your fingers. Keep your eyes on it the whole time. If the pass is below the waist let the ball slide through the inside of your palms about halfway and then clamp down on it.

7. Step Five Proceed to tuck the ball away, under your arm on the opposite side of any defenders.

8. Step Six Now that the ball is caught, run with it !!! PLAY FAIR AND HAVE FUN!