What is general information about catching in basketball
Catching comprises action that occurs when a player receives possession of the basketball, typically via a pass that is thrown by another player on the court.
Also, players that catch the ball should generally utilize both hands at the same time to achieve this objective. However, it is also possible for a player to initially receive the ball with one hand and then immediately bring the opposite hand towards the ball to firmly secure it.
Additionally, it should be noted as well that a player could technically catch the ball with only one hand, but that type of action usually happens in uncommon circumstances such as when a player is attempting to save the ball from going out of bounds.
For example, let’s say that player A, currently in possession of the basketball throws a bad pass to player B that is too far away from player B to effectively catch with two hands.
Afterwards, player B could reach out with one hand to catch the bad pass so that it does not sail out of bounds and then immediately throw it to another teammate (or perhaps, back to the initial thrower if possible) without necessarily utilizing the other hand to firmly secure the ball.
Nonetheless, as mentioned, one-hand catching is generally not a regular action and typically happens because of some type of player error.
Furthermore, it should be noted that although catching is typically associated as an offensive action utilized by offensive players, it is technically possible for a defensive player to catch the ball as well, which is also known as a steal in that instance.
This typically happens when a defensive player swiftly steps into a passing lane that is between an offensive thrower, who initially had possession of the basketball, and an offensive recipient, who would be the main target to receive the ball via the thrower’s pass.
From there, the defensive player could catch the ball by intercepting the pass that was thrown and as a result, the defensive player would be credited with a steal.
Related: Steal, credited to defender who intercepts the pass – NBA Video Rulebook
What are the general techniques in relation to catching the basketball
These are the general techniques that a player could consider during the process of catching the basketball, especially near perimeter areas within the frontcourt.
Get into athletic stance
The recipient of a pass should initially get into an athletic stance, which occurs when the potential receiver generally stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, knees bent, back straight, and head up.
Additionally, the receiver’s arms should be extended out towards the player who would be throwing the pass towards them.
Furthermore, to maintain balance, the recipient shouldn’t stand flat-footed while in the athletic stance.
Show a target to the passer
After getting into the athletic stance, the recipient should show a target to the passer.
Basically, the receiver should extend their arms out towards the passer, generally away from the chest area, while the elbows are also moderately bent.
Furthermore, the recipient should have their hands slightly apart while their palms are facing outwards at a slight angle, ready to receive the ball.
It is also important to note that while showing a target to the passer, the hands of the potential receiver should be relaxed and not tense.
Moreover, the fingers of the potential receiver should be slightly bent and not fully locked. This helps the receiver to absorb the force of the ball from the initial throw and it also gives the receiver a chance to gain possession of the ball more easily into their hands.
Keep eyes on the ball
Following the athletic stance and showing a target to the passer, it is also important that the potential receiver keep their eyes focused on the ball.
Doing this can benefit the recipient in at least a couple of ways. First, the potential receiver would almost certainly lower the chances of fumbling and/or dropping the pass that could lead to a turnover.
In other words, by keeping their eyes on the ball as it is thrown, the recipient would automatically know where the ball is and where to catch it into their hands.
Second, if the passer throws a bad pass, the recipient could still possibly catch it, even if the pass was not thrown near the receiver’s target area. This is also yet another way that the receiver could possibly reduce turnovers as well.
Step towards the ball
Following the athletic stance, showing the passer a target, and keeping eyes focused on the ball, the potential receiver should then step towards the ball whenever possible.
This not only helps the recipient gain possession of the ball more swiftly, but it could also prevent an adjacent defender from deflecting or intercepting the ball by stepping into the passing lane, which could further diminish potential turnovers.
Moreover, if a defender does try to step into the passing lane while the recipient is moving towards the ball, then that could result in the defender being called for a blocking foul.
It should also be noted that if a player is executing certain types of basketball cuts such as a backdoor cut towards the rim, then stepping towards the ball is not applicable in that instance.
However, the player should still keep their knees bent, back straight, and head up while also showing a target with their eyes on the ball.
Get into triple threat if necessary
After catching the ball, particularly near perimeter areas of the court while facing the basket, the receiver could then get into the triple threat position.
Afterwards, the player could then shoot, dribble, or pass, which could lead to various scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.