Goalkeeper Diving And Flop Techniques

Goalkeeper diving and flop techniques are necessary for goalies in the great game of soccer to properly stop shots on goal that the opposing team makes. However, as there are a number of different shots, there are also a number of different dives, with various ones used by more advanced and skilled goalies. These techniques and what they are entail are listed below, though some of them are more difficult and advanced then others and should only be tried by goal keepers who have been playing the game of soccer and the position of goalie for a while.

1. Collapsed Dive. This goalkeeper dive and flop technique consists of a goalie falling to the ground and wrapping their entire body around the soccer ball so that it has no way of slipping out of their grasp or deflecting off of them and to an opposing player who is following the initial shot. This is a good dive for shots that are very close to the goalie, as they can fall down and wrap their hands and subsequently their body around the ball more easily.
2. Extension and Aerial Dives. These goalkeeper dive and flop techniques consist of a goalie launching themselves into the air with their body outstretched and catching a ball or knocking it away from the goal entirely. Goalies should drive with their legs in the direction the ball is being shot and open their hands in a "W" position, trying to catch the ball and bring it first to the ground. If a goalie doesn't think they can safely corral the ball once they have come to the ground, they should attempt to knock it as far out of play as possible, with their hands or fists.
3. The Front Smother. The front smother is one of the more advanced diving techniques, as it can get a goalie kicked in the face if they time it wrong and do not properly execute this goalkeeping dive and flop technique. Goalies should sprint towards the ball and catch it, with their open hands making a basket to stop the ball. They should not try to catch it between their arms and chest, as it can bounce off and end up on the feet of an opposing team's player who will have an open shot at the goal. Goalies should also try and roll over the ball once they have caught it, to ensure they keep possession of it.