⚽ Goalkeeping · Shot-Stopping
Low Diving Saves
Low diving saves are the most frequently required advanced GK technique in 7v7 and 9v9.
Low Diving Saves — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Lead hand reaching the ball before the body falls behind it — securing the save first
◆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.
▦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
- 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.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Cones8
- Mat1
✦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
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
★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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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Low Diving Saves suitable for?
This drill suits U10–U14. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.
How many players do I need for Low Diving Saves?
This drill works well with around 8 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 Saves take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.