Learn to concentrate. In order to catch the football, the receiver has to concentrate all his attenion on catching the ball. That means keeping his eyes on the ball until it is securely in his hands. Only then can a receiver look away, to survey the field for tacklers.
Create a diamond with your hands. Extend your arms away from your body and bring your two thumbs and forefingers together so that they form a diamond. This is where your should attempt to catch the ball. Then quickly bring the ball into your body.
Secure the ball. The receiver must bring the ball close to his body immediately following the reception. Gather the ball into the body and then hook the thumb of the dominant hand over the point of the ball. Secure the body of the ball under the forearm.
Increase your strength and endurance with weight training. In order to maintain possession, the receiver has to be able to absorb the hit without hesitation or bobble. Taking the hit is difficult, but a strong upper body will help the receiver do just that.