Try mastering the drop catch first. The timing of the drop catch isn't quite as difficult to master as the live catch, but will help progress to the live catch. I've got a good handle on the drop catch, but still look silly on occasion when I mistime it and the ball drains like a rookie.
You might also notice that the gif example of the live catch has it rolling down the sling which is a much easier example than a ball coming down the open playfield.
http://killscreendaily.com/articles/pinball-sport-pros-teach-essentials/