Episode Sixty-Seven: Obstacle Low Diving Saves Footwork activation for a low diving save. With the poles featured in the centre of their goal. The goalkeeper takes a volley to commence the exercise. After the volley, the goalkeeper jumps the hurdle and immediately retreats to defend their goal. Here you want the goalkeeper to remain square and facing play. This enables them to keep their eyes on the ball at all times. Backing off allows for more time to react to the shot and the pole height restricts the goalkeeper from standing upright, they must LOWER THEIR SETTING STANCE and begin lowering to not only avoid the pole but to be in a better position to save the shot. Highlight footwork and notice that feet should not cross at any point. Equally important is getting into that ready set position for a dive and not allowing yourself to dive backwards towards the goal. Instead ATTACK THE BALL, LEADING WITH YOUR CHEST AND HANDS and allow your stepping KNEE TO POINT THE DIRECTION OF THE DIVE with your weight coming forward. The goalkeeper LOWEST HAND ACTS AS A WALL, stopping it from passing while the TOP HAND CONTROLS THE BALL, keeping it secure for the catch. I place the ball and myself roughly the same distance the goalkeeper must retreat so they can see me as the attacker running onto the ball and aiming for the bigger space in goal. This drill is ideally used to activate the footwork to help with movement and positioning and then allows the goalkeeper to ease into the saves needed. Poles are easily set up with electricians tape. Tempo can start slow and that enables you to check understanding at all times.