Playing the hands

What it is

Playing the receiver's hands at the catch point rather than turning to look for the ball.

Why it matters

A defender in phase but without ball location has one honest option: watch the receiver's eyes and hands and attack through them as they come up. Turning to find the ball costs a step and is how a covered receiver becomes an open one. The rule coaches use is that you look for the ball only when you are even or ahead — in trail position, play the hands.

Also called

Programs call this play through the hands, at the catch point or rake. The Coach answers to any of them.

Related

• component ofTrail technique