Forward Progression Diving

Click image to view all steps.

Description

Goalkeepers, especially beginners, tend to dive at backwards angle to the path of the shot. If you look at the first image you can see an example of this at line "B". Instead, Goalkeepers should dive slightly forwards at a perpendicular angle to the path of the shot which will cut down the distance needed to dive (shown with Line "A").  This drill focuses on this diving technique.

Steps:

1. Position 5 pairs of cones about 2 yards wide, 3 yards apart, and about 1 yard infront of each other. It should resemble a staggered "V" shape. (See diagram). 
2. The Goalkeeper starts about a yard to the inside of the first cones with the server about 5 yards away with the ball.
3. The server starts by passing a ball to the first goal. The goalkeeper takes a step with the nearest foot to the ball and dives to make a save in front of the goal. Once saved, the goalkeeper tosses the ball back while still on the ground and recovers quickly to save another shot the next side.
4. The server should wait for the keeper to get set before each shot. The drill progresses until the keeper takes shots to each goal.
5. Repeat after a quick break.

Setup:

• 2 Players (1 Server, 1 Goalkeeper)
• 1 ball.

Variations:

• You can vary the type of service used, space the cones further apart, or eliminate the diving and have the keeper work on quick footwork to the side and scoop the ball up.