Low Diving Saves
Low diving saves are the most frequently required advanced GK technique in 7v7 and 9v9.
◆Why this drill works
Low diving saves are the most frequently required advanced GK technique in 7v7 and 9v9. A GK who can only save central shots concedes far too many goals to low corners. This drill builds the collapse dive — the controlled, one-sided drop into a low save — starting on a mat if available and progressing to pitch surface. Working on a soft surface first removes the fear of impact that otherwise makes young keepers flinch or fall sideways rather than commit to the dive, and the slow, walking-pace service in the early steps lets the three-part sequence — step, drop, collect — become automatic before speed is added. Only once that sequence is reliable does the drill introduce a shooter, so the technical habit is already in place when the save has to be made under real time pressure.
◇Variations and progressions
- Both-sides alternation — service alternates unpredictably between left and right corners so the GK cannot pre-set toward a known side.
- Follow-up rebound — after the dive, coach immediately serves a second, quicker ball to the same corner to reward a rapid recovery.
- Reduced reaction distance — shorten the shooting distance to 6 yards for older keepers to raise the reaction-speed demand.
- Wet-ball practice — use a slightly wet ball on grass to build the grip and collection habits needed in real match conditions.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- On a mat or soft ground: GK starts in set position. Coach places ball on ground to either side 2m away. GK collapse-dives to cover the ball. Slow motion.
- Technique cue: step toward the ball side, drop the lead hip, extend lead hand to the ball, pull it into the body. Three-step sequence: step, drop, collect.
- Introduce a served ball: coach rolls to the low corner at walking pace. GK dives to collect.
- Increase pace. Then add a shooter from 8 yards aiming at low corners only.
- Final progression: shooter from 10 yards, both low corners alternated. GK does not know which side.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Lead hand reaching the ball before the body falls behind it — securing the save first
- Collecting the ball into the body on every save — no parrying
- Getting back to feet quickly and resetting to the set position after the dive
Correct when you see
- Falling sideways instead of diving — the collapse dive is controlled, not a fall
- Parrying the ball away instead of catching — grassroots-level saves should be caught, not parried, whenever possible
- Hesitating before committing to the dive, arriving late on the ball
★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 → |
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