What constitutes a catch in football?

A catch in football is defined as the act of establishing player possession of a live ball in flight while the player is over or touching the ground. This definition encompasses several critical elements of a catch, including the requirement that the player must have control of the ball and that they must maintain that control while they are in bounds.

Possessing a live ball means that the player has firmly secured the ball when it is thrown or kicked and that it is not considered dead. Additionally, the player must be in a position where they can make a legal play on the ball—this involves being on or above the playing surface, which typically refers to when a player is in contact with the ground.

Understanding this definition clarifies why other options do not fully capture the essence of a catch. Simply grabbing the ball with two hands does not ensure legal possession or compliance with the necessary conditions. Receiving a pass without interference is not a requirement in the definition of a catch; the primary concern is possession and control. Finally, touching the ball before it hits the ground also does not constitute a catch, as possession must be established while the player is in bounds and actively controlling the ball.