Catching the ball

By catching the ball we mean taking the ball (from someone). We catch the ball as an offensive player, to take possession of the ball coming toward us, or as a defensive player, in an activity aiming to obtain the ball (fishing).

The phases of catching the ball:

1. Taking the position in the direction of the ball that is coming
2. Reaching for the ball
3. Contacting the ball
4. Following in
5. Preparing

The rules of catching the ball:

1. The ball may be thrown, caught, stopped, pushed or hit by a free (open or closed) hand, arm, head, trunk, thigh or knee.
2. Maximum 3 steps may be taken with the ball caught.

It is regarded as one step

1. if the player standing with both feet on the ground raises one foot, and then places it back, or moves one foot from one position to another one;
2. if the player touches the ground with one foot, and catches the ball, and then touches the ground with the other foot;
3. if the player touches the ground with one foot after a jump, and then jumps with the same foot, or touches the ground with the other foot;
4. if the player touches the ground with both feet at the same time after a jump, and then lifts one foot, and then places it back again, or moves one foot from one position to another one.

The instruction of catching the ball:

The instruction of catching the ball can be done together with the instruction of passes, as catching the ball must be preceded by a pass. Therefore the instruction of the two technical elements can be realised through a similar method. I wish to give a detailed description of this process, as well as the games enhancing the instruction, at the passes.