strafe? hitstick?

what is a strafe catch and how do you do it? also when is the right time to use the hitstick?

Strafe catch on defense is when you hold the strafe button and hit triangle. I think its LT and Y on 360, and L2 and triangle on PS3.

ok cool but what does it do? is it a better catch than just pressing Y?

It gets you into a good position to jump completly verticle and Intercept one,but it also will get you burned it you do it to early

ok awesome that sounds pretty good. so if im playing DL and the QB makes a pass, when i switch to one of those players over there i should hold LT and press Y?

Use the Y button to make a pick. Use LT to strafe, which is shifting his feet and going side to side making yourself have better positioning to make a play.

ok so strafe before i go for the pick?