Passing and Catching Cross Face and from Behind and Under Pressure

Passing and catching the ball under pressure is the hardest thing for most beginner athletes. They usually understand catching and passing, but don’t fully comprehend these skills when someone is guarding them. 

Now is a great time to put athletes in various scenarios where they need to make a pass or catch the ball while someone is on them. The initial move will be to push out of the way. Then they will understand how to use their hips/shoulder to get open or their opposite hand and legs to make a pass. 

In general, athletes should learn to catch the ball cross face as much as possible. This will make them much more comfortable with the ball. As we move to the vertical game (transition from offense to defense and vice versa) athletes will be required to catch the ball in many different entry points.

When teaching these skills, concentrate on leg position: always having the legs under the body and at the same time turning the torso towards the pass.

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