I'm a freshmen and don't know ANYTHING (not even the positions really) about football but decided to join because I wanted to do something new. I'm going to be a running back but can't catch the ball at all. It's kind of like it's hard for me to find the ball with all of my gear on and move around and stuff to try and catch it...what can I do to improve that?

Just participate in as many receiving drills as possible, and practice by having someone throw to you while you're coming out of the backfield. As a back, you're not going to be expected to make too many amazing catches, but you have to be able to catch screen passes or dumpoffs.

It really comes down to practice.

Practice

Switch to defense. Some of the worst wide receivers make the best cornerbacks.

Depending on your size and speed, look at LB, safety or corner.

If you are set on being a running back, it doesn't mean you HAVE to catch. You're more valuable to the team if you can.

When you are about to catch, focus on the ball. Don't look away, don't look to see who might tackle you - focus only on the ball. Most RB's catch "swing passes" - meaning you'll run our towards the sideline and will be thrown to if the QB is under pressure or nobody else is open.

And practice.

If you're running back, just make sure to get the ball after the quarterback gives it you if he has no one to pass it to you. You don't need to catch the ball at all.

i dont think you are telling the truth...

but in the event that you ARE telling the truth, you have serious problems, a running back doesnt do a lot of ball catching. maybe a pitch but its mostly hand off and all you need to do is run... so yoiu need to pick up the "football for dummies" book

not calling you a dummy, but clearly you need some fundamentals training...

but if you are really having that much trouble, i dont see you being the first string RB for long

Good luck

one thing is that running backs do not usually catch passes in freshman football. also if you have problems catchig and your school dos do those kind of passes the wide receiver gloves would work perfectly. also ask the WR coach if he can help you catch better. when i first started football i could not catch worth hoot but after alot practive i got it down. i agree that it is harder to catch with all the gear on then with all the gear off. have fun.

put ur hands out in front of u, and make ur 2 thumbs and ur index fingers into a circle before you try to catch