Larry Fitzgerald: Adjusting to the ball

CREATE SEPARATION:
If you want to have the freedom to adjust to any pass thrown, it helps to create separation between you and your defender. So explode off the line and sell the deep route. This way when you come out of your break, you’ll hopefully have more space to work in when the pass comes in.

EYES FOCUSED ON BALL:
As soon as the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand, you have to stay zeroed in on the flight of that pass. Don’t take your eyes off it, and don’t worry about the defenders who may be around you. On most receptions you’re going to take a hit anyway, so your priority has to be catching the ball first.

WATCH POINT, CATCH FAT:
The point of the ball is a good spot to zero in on because it’ll keep your eyes centered on pass while it’s in flight. Then when the pass arrives, you want to catch the fat of the ball — the thicker area toward the center that your hands can most tightly grasp. Remember, soft hands on the catch, then a tight grip to secure it.

USE HANDS, NOT BODY:
It’s crucial that you don’t use your body to catch the pass, especially in traffic. If you let the ball get in to your chest, it could easily ricochet off your shoulder pads and into the hands of a defender. So when the ball comes in, keep your hands away from your body and make the grab with your hands. Then take it for six.