Step One: Position the body behind the flight of the ball as early as possible. This will lead to good composure
and balance for receiving the ball instead of reaching out and being caught off balance. Remember to keep the head steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball. The head weighs approximately 10 pounds, so any unnecessary tilting of the head will affect the whole balance of the body.
Step Two: The chest should be tight with the shoulders pulled back. The player should also lean backwards slightly. Contact on the ball should be made with the center of the chest, as the sternum will provide a harder
surface for the ball to rebound from.
Step Three: Immediately on impact, quickly push the ball out from the chest and into available space. Do not withdraw the chest on impact, as this will cushion the ball. As the player is redirecting the ball on impact, the upper body should be forward with shoulders pinned back.
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