How To Dive For A Soccer Ball

Need to know how to dive for a soccer ball? Learning how to dive in soccer is a valuable skill for a goalie. In this article, we will look at the basic dive that a goalie uses to stop a shot. The dive is a powerful tool in saving goals and securing the ball from oncoming strikers or middies. Learning to dive correctly is also a longevity tool for good goal-keeping, as improper dives can lead to injuries. Goalies face many challenges off the line with soccer balls coming in from all angles. The dive allows the goalie to attack the soccer ball and then secure it from offenders. Let’s examine this basic but important skill for goalies.

To dive for a soccer ball, you will need:

• A soccer ball
• Goalie's gloves
• A field to practice or play on
• Someone to assist

1. To dive for a soccer ball as a goalie, you will first have to determine your starting position. A goalie may begin in a squatting, kneeling or grounded position. The basic steps are mostly the same for these, except for the end position based on the outcome of your dive. We will try to touch on this later.
2. First and most important is that you keep your eye on the ball while being aware of the players around you. Square up as the ball approaches. How you push off towards the ball will depend on your initial position. If you were squatting, use your feet to push you towards the direction of the shot. If you were kneeling, use your hips and upper thighs (sometimes your hand) to move you in the direction of the shot. If you were grounded, maneuver using your upper body then legs for the final lunge towards the shot.
3. Your hands should be open wide with your fingers spread apart. When the ball impacts your gloves, immediately roll your hands over, pulling the soccer ball into your midsection.
4. Your knees should come forward and tuck you into a fetal position. This will not occur in all circumstances based on your starting position or the velocity of your lunge. The important thing here is to secure the ball and make yourself as small as possible to protect yourself.
5. Once the offensive play is signaled over, stand up and take the cheers. You have just completed a successful dive in soccer and saved a winning goal!