The Overhead Catch

Key Points

Adopt the ready position.
Release the non-dominant hand from the hurley and extend it above the head.
The open, cupped hand faces the oncoming ball.
Raise the hurley above the head to protect the catching hand.
Move towards the ball to receive it at the highest point, jumping if necessary.
Relax the hand on impact, catching the ball with the fingers of the cupped hand.
In a game situation, the hurley is held behind the catching hand when the opponent is to the rear, and in front of the catching hand when the opponent is to the front.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic – Overhead Catch

This is a basic drill to practice the Overhead Catch Technique in a stationary position.
Divide the players into pairs 3 to 5 metres apart.
Player A throws the ball underarm for player B to catch overhead.
Player B then throws the ball for Player A to catch.
Encourage the players to get in the habit of raising the hurley to protect the catching hand.
Count how many successful catches each pair complete in 30 seconds.

Drill 2 – Basic – Run and Overhead Catch

This is a basic drill to practice the Overhead Catch technique.

Divide the players into groups of 3.

Mark out a distance of 6 metres using cones.

Place a further marker 1 metre from the first cone.

The players line up behind the first cone.

The first player runs out to the far cone with the ball.

Rounding the cone, they throw the ball underarm for the next player to catch overhead before returning to the back of the line.

Each player continues the drill in turn.

The throwing player should aim for the ball to land in the 1 metre zone marked.

The catching player moves forward to receive the ball at the one metre marker.

Drill 3 Intermediate – Move and Catch

This is an intermediate drill to practice the Overhead Catch technique.

Mark out a triangle using cones approximately 5 metres apart.

Divide the players into pairs, one ball per pair.

Position the players at 2 corners of the triangle.

Player A, on the first cone, throws the ball for Player B to catch as they move to the free cone.

The ball should be thrown approximately half way between the 2 cones.

Player B then throws the ball for Player A to catch.

Encourage the players to judges the flight of the ball and jump to catch it on the move.

To make the drill more difficult, increase the size of the triangle.

If the distance is suitable, the players strike the ball for their opponents to catch.

Drill 4 Intermediate - Opposed Catch

This is an intermediate drill to practice the Overhead Catch technique

Divide the players into groups of 3.

Mark out a distance of 6 metres using cones.

Place a further marker 1 metre from the first cone.

One player is positioned at each point.

Player A, positioned at the far cone acts as a feeder, throwing the ball underam for Player B to catch at the one metre marker.

Player C moves in behind Player B to provide shadow opposition.

Player C should not attempt to tackle Player B or intercept the ball.

Rotate the players after each successful catch.

The catching player should raise the hurley behind the catching hand for protection.

To increase the difficulty of the drill, allow the opposing player to compete for the ball.