High Catch

Catching a ball that has gone high into the air, requiring tracking through its full parabolic path (boundary catches; deep midwicket dollies).

Modern fielding standards were rewritten by South Africa's Jonty Rhodes in the 1990s; the flat, one-bounce throw and sliding stop are now coached from junior level.

At apex the ball's vertical velocity is zero — easiest tracking moment; descent reaches ~25 m/s on a top-edge.

Move to the line first, then position so the ball drops onto the chest-line; cup the hands at eye level with elbows soft.

Standing flat-footed under the ball — always set up half a step behind so you're moving in to catch. Tennis-ball lobs at varying heights with a coach calling switch-direction late.