Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Diving - Low Shots

Skill

Skill

Aim - To get the GK comfortable with going to ground and encouraging the GK to angle his dive towards the ball.

Set up 

• 6 cones set out at 2 yard intervals starting from the touch line.
• 6 balls set out, 3 either side set out at a slight angle ahead of the cone at GKs match reach.

• Starting on the cone on the goal line, the GK Dives out towards the first ball placing both hands on it.
• GK then returns to the middle and on the next cone, dives out towards the next ball.

The W technique is generally used when diving, (but depending on position of the ball, the 'Cup' techniquie can be used).

If the ball is on the floor then he 'W' technique can still be used but with one hand behind the ball and one on top.

Mechanics

• Set Position - Head fixed on ball.
• Elbows bent.
• Hands out in front and the width of a football apart.
• Feet shoulder width apart.
• Nose in-front of toes.
• Knees bent and heels up.

• Diving - Closest leg steps forward in the direction of dive.
• Stepping leg bends slightly to provide the power to push off for the dive.
• Hands move in the direction of the ball.
• Eyes fixed on the ball.
• Catching the ball using the 'W's' and 'Scoop' technique depending on position of the ball.

• The W's - Thumbs together (to form the shape of a W with forefingers).
• Rest of fingers spread out around ball.
• Eyes fixed on ball.
• Elbows slightly bent to act as suspension.
• Weight forwards.

• The Cup - Little fingers together.
• Palm of hands facing out.
• Fingers spread.
• Body Shape arched over ball
• Weight Forwards.

Technique

3 cones set out, a Yellow on one corner of the Penalty box, a Blue on the other and a Red set on the 'D' in line with the penalty. 

• Coach calls a colour cone - for this exercise 'Yellow'.
• GK moves out towards that cone to narrow the angle. 
• Player on Yellow cone hits a low shot towards the far post.
• GK makes save then recovers for Player to shoot at near post.
• GK then moves across to middle cone.
• Repeat