Episode Fifty-Nine: High Dives Designed for improving power and explosiveness. This exercise does not require huge amounts of space and varied service will produce different outcomes. Knowing your goalkeepers ability level will help rule out a trial and error of where to position your hurdle/obsticle. Ideally aim for a 2/3rds position. Hurdle height should be no higher than the goalkeepers knee but start low and build once footwork is producing a greater height. The drill starts with a diving save that aims to take your goalkeeper away from the centre line. This allows for an essential movement to get to the hurdle and then use footwork to make the high dive. Service can start with a medium to high target before building to a mainly higher dive area. Use of throws, volleys and strikes can show a natural progression to the task. Some coaching points • Use of technique (Swivel or Pendulum) to change direction • Starting position is 2 yards from line therefore the save should be no less than this. Emphasis on attacking the ball • If diving left, push off from the left leg. (Watch for turning of the body) • Ideally lead with both hands (Turning of the body may be due to leading with furthest hand away from ball. • Momentum and power from the legs pushing off and arms powering through on take off. • Make eye contact early to read the flight of the ball.