Needing help catching the ball

Question
I've been playing WR for about 2 years now after being removed from the RB position. Last year, my first year playing, I had alot of trouble catching passes. This year, I have improved alot from last year, but I'm still not at the level I want to be. I understand that catching with the hands is a must for recievers and I wanted to know if you had any drills to help with strengthening my hands and fingers and catching the ball better with my hands.

List of routes that i'm having difficulty with catching:

-Hitch
-Curl
-Slant

Also, I seem to get very nervous before a play, mainly because I know if I screw up, the coaches won't be too happy and I most likely wont see playing time. Any tips on how to overcome this?

This is GREATLY appreciated.

Answer
Dear friend,
Once you improve your catching skills your nervousness will go away.
Remember when running your patterns, the biggest mistake you can make is to slow down when catching the ball or after making your break. If you slow down before you catch the ball or after your break, you will be giving the defensive back time to catch up with you.

You must run your pattern as fast as you can, while still keeping under control, and let the quarterback lead you. It is up to the quarterback to get you the ball when you are open.



One important skill that a receiver must have is a strong desire to catch the ball. A receiver should concentrate on looking the ball into his hands (all the way into his hands).

A receiver must be able to shut everything out of his mind by focusing all his attention on looking the ball into his hands.

A receiver must watch the football until he catches it and puts it away before he starts to run with it. The catch is more vital than the run after.



The last twelve inches of the flight, of the ball, are the most important of all, this is where most receivers take their eyes off the ball and drop it.


Here is a list of drill you can work on. You will need someone to play quarterback. All passes will be no longer than 3-5 yards at first. When you improve at catching the ball, at this distance, move up to 8-10 yards.

1.Have the quarterback throw the ball over your left shoulder (catch the ball with your right hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

2.Have the quarterback throw the ball over your right shoulder (catch the ball with your left hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

3.Two handed catch over your right shoulder (5-10 times).

4.Two handed catch over your left shoulder(5-10 times).

Always catch the ball with your hands only (do not trap the ball against your body it will bounce off your shoulder pads. Try this for about a week or two, 20-30 minutes a day. Short passes only. At first you will drop a lot of passes but don't give up. When you are ready, move on to a little deeper passes.
I hope I was of help. If not please let me know.
Your friend, Coach Louis