How to One-Hand Catch in Madden 26

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-08-10 10:56:48
American Football is filled with jaw-dropping plays, from last-second Hail Mary touchdowns to electrifying kick returns. But even smaller gains can produce highlight-reel moments, especially in Madden NFL 26. One of the most impressive moves you can pull off is the one-handed catch, a flashy yet risky way to secure the ball like a true NFL superstar.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to execute a one-handed catch in Madden 26, the best situations to attempt it, and which receivers have the highest success rate.

How to Do a One-Handed Catch in Madden NFL 26


To perform a one-handed catch, follow these steps:
  • Throw the Ball to Your Receiver – Use a lob pass (L2/LT + Receiver Button) for a high-arching throw, giving your WR time to adjust.
  • Press & Hold L1 (PS5) or LB (Xbox) as the ball approaches your receiver.
  • Position Matters – The pass should be slightly away from the receiver’s body, ideally high or to the side. Bullet passes straight at the chest won’t trigger the animation.
  • Key Factors for Success


    • Receiver’s Spectacular Catch Rating – Higher-rated players (like CeeDee Lamb – 98) succeed more often than lower-rated ones (like Tank Dell – 84).
    • Throw Type – Lob passes work best; bullet passes rarely trigger one-handed catches.
    • Defender Pressure – One-handed catches are riskier in traffic, increasing drop or interception chances.
    • Game Style – Player ratings matter most in Simulation mode, making stats crucial.

    Best Wide Receivers for One-Handed Catches in Madden 26



    If you want consistent one-handed grabs, use receivers with high Spectacular Catch (SPC) ratings:


  • CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) – 98 SPC
  • Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) – 97 SPC
  • Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders) – 96 SPC
  • Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) – 95 SPC
  • DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans) – 94 SPC

  • Speed also helps—faster WRs can create separation, giving them more space to attempt flashy catches.

    When Should You Attempt a One-Handed Catch?


    While one-handed catches look incredible, they’re not always the safest option. Here’s when to go for it:

    Wide-Open Situations – No nearby defenders? Perfect time to show off.

    Low-Stakes Plays – In a blowout or casual game? Take the risk.

    Highlight Moments – Trying to create a viral-worthy play? Go for style points.


    When to Avoid It:

    Critical Downs – On 4th & Goal, secure the catch with two hands.

    Double Coverage – Defenders can easily disrupt the catch.

    Short Passes – Bullet passes rarely allow for one-handed grabs.

    Final Tips for Mastering One-Handed Catches


    • Practice in Skill Trainer – Get comfortable with timing before using it in games.
    • Use Superstar Abilities – Some WRs have unique traits (like "Ankle Breaker") that help create space.
    • Adjust Game Style – If you want more realistic outcomes, stick with Simulation mode.

    Conclusion


    Pulling off a one-handed catch in Madden NFL 26 is all about timing, positioning, and the right receiver. While risky, it’s one of the most satisfying moves in the game. Try it with elite WRs like CeeDee Lamb or Justin Jefferson for the best results—and get ready for some unforgettable highlights!

    Tags: American football game, EA Sports, Franchise mode, Ultimate Team, Player ratings, Game mechanics, NFL teams, Online mult
    Platform(s): PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
    Genre(s): Sports
    Developer(s): EA Orlando
    Publisher(s): EA Sports
    Engine: Frostbite
    Release date: August 16, 2024
    Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
    Age rating (PEGI): +3
    Video preview



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