⚽ Goalkeeping
Low Diving Save
The low diving save is the most commonly scored-against situation in grassroots football.
Low Diving Save — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Commanding the area and communicating with defenders
◆Why this drill works
The low diving save is the most commonly scored-against situation in grassroots football. Most young GKs get down too slowly or fall rather than drive. This drill builds the technically correct movement: push off the standing foot, lead with the bottom hand flat, top hand over the ball. The progress
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- GK in set position. Coach serves underhand to bottom corners — wide right, wide left. First 10 reps: slow speed.
- GK drives down with correct technique. Bottom hand flat on ground, top hand over ball.
- Progress: coach serves at normal speed to either side. GK reacts.
- Final 5 reps: GK starts standing upright. Must get into set position then dive — adds preparation phase.
- Count: how many of 20 saves land in correct hand position?
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Cones6
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Commanding the area and communicating with defenders
- Narrowing the angle before the shot
- Set position with weight balanced and ready to move
Correct when you see
- Standing tall and reaching late — get into the set position early
- Spilling the ball forward — catch it or parry it wide
- Slow distribution letting the opposition recover
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Goalkeeper Gloves (youth) | Grip and protection for keepers. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Shot-stopping reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Agility Ladder | Footwork and reactions. | Check price → |
As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.
?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Low Diving Save suitable for?
This drill suits U11–U12. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.
How many players do I need for Low Diving Save?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Low Diving Save take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 19 minutes to run it — about 22 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.