The Cup
There are 2 popular techniques used to catch a ball. The two "cups" of hands. One cup is where the two little fingers are overlapping. This is to ensure that there is no "give or break through" when the ball hits the area. The other cup has no overlapping fingers. See Pic.
You could use either method but the important thing here is to make a big cup. This is for obvious reasons. One should let the ball hit the base of the fingers on the palm, which means on reflex the fingers close on the ball. Ensure that the palms are soft as the ball arrives near you and yes, look to receive the ball. Let the ball melt in your hands, so to say. Do not snatch! And yes, practice, practice and practice as Muhammad Azharuddin has advised. He always recommended at least 100 catches a day. Taking catches is directly related to practice. Hundred catches a day ensured a 100% result for Azharuddin.
