Submarining
Objective:
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To build up the realism of the technique involved when a goalkeeper dives at the feet of an incoming attacker. (see This Way/That Way).
Target:
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To secure ball cleanly with good technique.
Organization
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Use existing goal and penalty area when available - if not, improvise with cones and markers.
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Try to keep to maximum of six players per practice group (two groups, one with the assistant coach working left and right if only one goal).
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Coach acts as server and rolls balls to give a realistic service slightly in favour of goalkeeper.
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Goalkeepers should start in correct position - covering near post just off the goal line. They cannot move until ball is rolled. Coach can throw or kick at goal if the keeper tries to "cheat."
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Attacker is not allowed to kick ball or physically challenge for ball (to avoid injury risk).
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Rotate from attacking to goalkeeping files.
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After five to seven minutes, change angle of approach from right side of goal to left side (or change groups).
Teaching
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Goalkeepers should move to ball quickly with low crouching run.
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Slide - don't dive! - to side-diving position. Don't swing the legs around before receiving the ball.
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Hands should go to ball with the head covering near post, while body and legs are covering across the goal and the far post.
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The hands are the "Protectors" as well as the "Collectors."
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When diving, stay on the side - not stomach - with body parallel to goal line.
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Once ball is secured - pull into body and wrap body around ball.
Progressions
U9 Progressions
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Do not allow this activity to progress too early into a truly opposed situation.
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Consider the This Way/That Way as the warm-up activity.
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Make sure the young goalkeepers are competent with the techniques required for going to the ball, i.e., hands forward of head (protection) and the body and legs covering the middle/far post of the goal.
U10 Progressions
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The intensity and difficulty of this activity can be developed by the service from the Coach, i.e., more 50/50 balls, wide balls (always remember that safety of players is the prime consideration).
U11 & 12 Progressions
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Activity is progressed into the Through Ball practice.
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Consider using the Submarining as the warm-up to the Through Ball activity.
