Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today's topic will deal with forward
dives
Next, I have created the FineSoccer Soccer Forum. This has been created to help soccer
people help other soccer people. Please check it out at
http://finesoccer.com/forum.htm
There is a big difference between diving forwards and forward dives. Almost anytime you
dive for a ball you will want to attack the ball which will result in you diving forward.
However, a forward dive is a conscious decision to go straight forward to get to a ball in
shortest period of time.
The way to first start working on forward dives is to start on your knees and have the
ball rolled directly toward you. As the approaches, begin to fall forward leading with
your hands. Have your hands together with your palms facing upwards. Your hands should
graze the ground (this is assuming the ball is rolling toward you). When your hands
first make contact with the ball,
scoop your hands under the ball and then wrap the ball in your arms. This is all done
while falling forwards toward the ball. You will land with the ball in your hands with the
brunt of the impact of the dive being taken on your forearms. Your forearms should be
parallel to each other and your head should be over and slightly beyond the ball. Keep
your eyes on the ball at all times and when you have scooped the ball up and pulled it in
during this final dive, this will force you to have your head over the ball. Done
successfully, a forward dive will end up in your arms with your hands in front of the
ball, your forearms are under the ball, your body is behind the ball and your head over
the ball.
As you dive forward, you will dive through the ball with the momentum of your body causing
your body to force the ball forward but under control.
The next step in this progression is to start in a catchers position and as the ball is
coming toward you take a small step forward and then perform a forward dive. Start slowly
and gradually build up to the standing position.
I do not work on forward dives a lot during training because it is rough on the body but
the proper technique can make it much better.
Their are a couple of reasons for doing a forward dive. First, when a save has
been made but the ball was not held and the ball is loose in front of the goal, you might
want to perform a forward dive in order to get to the ball before and opponent does.
Another reason for a forward dive is when an extremely hard shot is hit directly at a
keeper and she isn't sure she can hold the ball using just her hands, she might want to
consider a forward dive in order to do a better job of holding onto a ball.
Please realize that unnecessary forward dives increase the risk of injuries. Practice it
under control and do it when necessary.
