Catching a ball stands as one of the most thrilling moments throughout a football match. However, adding a little style to it not only turns heads but makes every catch far more rewarding and memorable. In Madden 26, the most electrifying animation is the famous one-hand catch, also known as the Spectacular Catch, showcasing peak athleticism.
Although visually appealing, it requires precision to work. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you must take into account to execute it perfectly.
How To Perform A One-Hand Catch
There’s no rocket science to performing a one-hander. Snatching a ball from the air using just one hand can be done by:
- Pressing and holding L1 if you are on PlayStation
- Pressing and holding LB if you are on Xbox
The speed at which you need to press the button depends solely on the distance between the thrower and the receiver, along with the ball’s velocity. The larger the distance, the more time you have to react. Similarly, the lower the distance, the shorter the reaction time.
While it sounds straightforward in theory, performing it in a game where the stakes are high can be overwhelming. We recommend jumping into a practice session and repeating it until you master the technique.
Things To Consider For Successful Execution
Even after practicing, you need to consider multiple factors, or this flashy move can transition into a disaster in the blink of an eye.
Avoid Spamming
Once mastered, one-handed catches can be addictive. However, spamming it all the time isn’t ideal. This is because Madden 26 simulates the sport well, and since two-handed catches are generally more stable, using a single hand where it’s unnecessary can easily make you fumble a catch. As a result, you can miss out on a game-changing opportunity or even a win.
Player Rating
Other than spamming, your WR’s rating also works as a deciding factor in the success of your one-handers. If this animation appeals to you, ensure that you have the best WR, with good Spectacular Catch and Speed stats. As always, the higher the number, the higher the chances of them keeping up with the catches.
Analyze The Ball’s Direction
The game knows when to allow this animation to occur. For instance, if the ball is heading towards the body of your receiver, such as the chest, the steps for one-handed catching won’t apply. Similar to real life, a two-handed approach will be ideal here. For a one-handed catch to work, make sure you throw a lob pass and throw it high. If it’s a bullet pass, it might not work.
That’s everything you need to know to successfully execute a one-handed catch. As mentioned earlier, we recommend that you practice it before performing it in a high-stakes match.
