How to Improve Goalie Diving

A goalkeeper is one of the most important members of a team, as he is the last line of defense to keep the opposition from scoring goals. Unlike hockey where the goalkeepers have smaller goals to defend, soccer goalkeepers often have to make full-stretch dives to keep the ball from finding the net. This can seem like a scary prospect to a newer goalkeeper. Practice your goalie diving with another player kicking balls at you.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer balls
  • Attacking player
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line up five or more balls a few yards from the goal. Position yourself on the goal line in the middle of the goal.

    • 2

      Have the attacking player kick the balls either to the left or the right of you. She should not reveal which side she is going to kick to and she should kick the balls at a distance far enough away that you have to dive for it as a goalie.

    • 3

      Relax your body as you dive for the ball. Dive with your hands first behind the ball and let your body follow. When jumping for a ball that is high up, lift up one knee and push off with the other leg. The padded goalkeeper shirt and shorts will reduce the impact upon landing.

    • 4

      Practice saving a variety of shots on both sides and at different heights to give you practice at jumping dives. The kicking player can also throw the ball as well as kicking it to help vary the height.

    • 5

      Incorporate the drill into every goalie practice and warm-up before a game. The more you repeat it, the more instinctive it will become.

    • 6

      Ask the outfield player to run at you with the ball, or place a ball an equal distance from both of you. Practice diving on the ball at the player's feet to secure it. This will be quite scary the first few times, but keep repeating it to gain confidence.