Wayne Smith  

Hi Christopher, the “gunsight” idea is about sighting the ball early, hands high (above eyeline like pointing a rifle at a target) eyes on ball (read the label as you catch it), elbows in, head still, body at 45 degrees angled down the field. If the hands are too low, the ball passes below the eyes quickly and is hard to follow into the hands (causes dropsies!). We definitely want to meet the ball front on but at 45 degrees angle so that we are protected in the air by the hard parts of our body (the J-line i talk about creates this, improves timing of the jump and avoids the ball ricocheting off the chest). it’s really important to not try and swivel in the air to make the ball spill backwards – this wiil definitely result in a spillage – stay still through the air (head and body) and read the label on the ball. You are dead right about elbows in to cradle the ball. cheers, wayne.

Great coaching point thanks Rich. Train to win is all about every participant in the activity rehearsing best practice. This could be a little contest – the judo thrower trying to stop the ball carrier getting a good ball placement and vice versa. Thanks.