Low shots can be particularly challenging for goalkeepers, as they require quick reactions, precise positioning, and proper technique to save effectively. Whether it’s a skidding shot, a driven ball, or a rolling pass toward the corner, mastering the art of saving low shots is crucial for any goalkeeper.
This guide will cover the core techniques, key drills, and tips to help you improve your low shot-saving skills.
Why Low Shots are Challenging
Low shots are a major challenge for goalkeepers and are often harder to save than they seem. One of the main issues is the limited time to react. With the ball so close to the ground, the distance to the goal is reduced, giving goalkeepers minimal time to adjust and leaving little margin for error.
Another challenge is the unpredictable trajectory of low shots. The surface of the pitch can cause the ball to bounce or skid in unexpected ways, making it difficult to predict where it will go. This means goalkeepers must stay alert and ready for anything.
Responding to low shots also requires good body mechanics. Goalkeepers need to be aligned properly and flexible enough to get low quickly. This involves using the lower body and core together to make a fast response.
So while many people think that high shots are the hardest to save, low shots have their own difficulties that demand just as much skill.
Core Techniques for Saving Low Shots
This section outlines essential techniques that goalkeepers can use to effectively save low shots.
1. Setting the Right Stance
Your stance is the starting point for any save, but it’s especially crucial for low shots. To be ready for these shots, your stance should be slightly lower than usual:
- Lowered Centre of Gravity: Bend your knees and slightly widen your stance, allowing you to get down quickly without sacrificing stability.
- Hands Positioned Lower: Rather than keeping your hands at chest level, drop them a bit lower. This makes it easier to reach low shots and minimizes the need for excessive hand movement.
- Stay on Your Toes: Avoid being flat-footed, as it slows down your reactions. Staying on your toes allows for quick directional shifts, which is essential for reaching low shots quickly.
2. Using the Scoop and Basket Techniques
Two main handling techniques can be used when dealing with low shots: the scoop and the basket catch. These techniques allow you to control the ball while keeping it secure:
- Scoop: For lower, rolling shots, bring your hands together in a scooping motion, with your fingers pointed down. Bend your knees and lower your body to get behind the ball, using your hands to scoop it securely. Keep your body over the ball to prevent it from slipping under you.
- Basket Catch: For shots with slightly more pace, bring your forearms together, forming a “basket” with your arms. Position your body behind the ball and lean slightly forward, letting the ball fall naturally into your arms. The basket catch is ideal for shots that have a bit more speed or bounce.
3. Mastering the Collapse Dive
For low shots that are just out of reach, the collapse dive is one of the most effective techniques. This technique allows you to cover ground quickly while keeping your body low to the ground.
- Step and Drop: Begin with a quick lateral step toward the ball, planting your lead foot in the direction of the shot. As you plant, drop your knee toward the ground, allowing your body to collapse to the side.
- Extend Your Hands: As you collapse, reach for the ball with both hands. Lead with your bottom hand to block the ball’s path, and use your top hand to secure it.
- Land on Your Side: Avoid landing on your stomach or back; instead, roll onto your side to cushion the impact. Keep your head slightly off the ground, and aim to land on the side of your hip, shoulder, and thigh for maximum control and safety.
4. Deflecting and Parrying Low Shots
Sometimes, catching low shots isn’t possible, especially with high-speed shots. In these cases, deflecting or parrying the ball away from goal is the best option.
- Angle Your Hands: Position your hands to angle the ball away from goal. Your fingers should point down and slightly outward, allowing the ball to deflect out to the side rather than back into play.
- Guide the Ball with Your Fingers: Use your fingers to direct the ball rather than slapping at it. This allows for a controlled deflection, minimizing the chance of a rebound.
- Push with Your Arm and Body: For shots with more power, use a firm push to direct the ball out of danger. Engage your core and use your arm strength to add force to the deflection, guiding the ball away from opponents.
5. Recovering Quickly
After dealing with a low shot, quick recovery is crucial in case of follow-up attempts.
- Use Your Core: Engage your core muscles to get back on your feet quickly. Practicing quick get-ups will improve your reaction time after saves.
- Stay Alert: Always anticipate a rebound or a follow-up shot. Position yourself back in the centre of the goal or wherever you expect the next play to develop.
- Communicate: Call out to your defenders if the ball is still in play. Direct them to clear the ball or mark nearby attackers.
Drills to Enhance Low Shot Saving Skills
Consistent practice is the key to improving your low shot saves. Here are some effective drills to incorporate into your training routine:
1. Rapid Fire Drill
This drill aims to boost your reaction speed and help you feel more comfortable handling low shots from different angles.
- Setup: Line up a few strikers at different angles outside the penalty area—one at the near post, one at the centre, and one at the far post. Each striker will focus on shooting low balls toward different areas of the goal.
- Execution: The strikers take turns shooting low shots at the goalkeeper, aiming for specific zones in the goal. As the goalkeeper, your task is to save each shot in quick succession.
- Techniques: Use a variety of techniques, such as the scoop, basket catch, or collapse dive, depending on the trajectory and angle of each shot. This helps to improve agility and positioning.
2. Deflection Practice
This drill focuses on improving your ability to deflect low shots effectively, simulating game situations where catching isn’t possible.
- Setup: Stand in goal with a coach or teammate positioned a few meters away, ready to shoot low balls toward you.
- Execution: The shooter aims for the corners of the net, and as the goalkeeper, focus on using your hands and arms to deflect the ball away from the goal.
- Techniques: Practice angling your hands and positioning your body to guide the ball out of the danger zone, ensuring you move quickly to avoid rebounds.
3. Small Ball Drill
This drill enhances your handling skills and reaction times using smaller balls for a more challenging experience.
- Setup: Have a partner shoot small size 3 balls toward you, low and at pace.
- Execution: As the balls approach, focus on using the scoop technique to keep your body behind the ball.
- Techniques: This drill sharpens your hand-eye coordination and encourages quick, precise responses to low shots.
4. Collapse Dive Repetition Drill
This drill helps improve your ability to move quickly across the goal and execute a collapse dive to save low shots from different angles.
- Setup: Position yourself at one post of the goal. A coach or partner stands outside the goal, ready to shoot from various angles. Make sure the partner is far enough away to give you a fair chance to react.
- Execution: The coach takes turns shooting low balls toward either the centre or far corner. Your task is to anticipate the shot and quickly sprint across the goal to make the save.
- Techniques: Focus on using quick lateral movement to position yourself effectively. Depending on the shot’s placement, use the collapse dive technique to reach the ball. Ensure you land safely on your side to cushion the impact and prepare for any follow-up attempts.
Additional Tips for Success
Start by focusing on your core during training. A strong core helps you maintain balance and control while making low saves, so incorporate exercises like planks and Russian twists into your routine.
In match situations, aim to stay compact. Keeping a low centre of gravity and your body tight enables quicker reactions and minimizes unnecessary movements. Hand positioning is crucial too; keep your hands slightly forward to facilitate scooping or catching the ball.
Pay close attention to the shooter’s foot. Observing their plant foot and body position can help you anticipate whether the shot will be low, giving you an advantage in your reactions.
To further improve your performance, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not Getting Low Enough: Many goalkeepers remain too upright, making it difficult to reach the ball. Remember to bend your knees and lower your body.
- Hands Positioned Too High: If your hands are too high, it can slow your response to low shots. Keep them slightly lower when anticipating a low shot.
- Overcommitting: Avoid diving too early or leaning too far in one direction, especially for shots close to your body. Keep your movements controlled and balanced.
- Neglecting Recovery: After making a save, don’t relax. Always be prepared for a potential rebound and ready to react quickly.
Bringing It All Together
Dealing with low shots requires a combination of strong fundamentals, quick reactions, and the right technique. By practicing the scoop, basket catch, collapse dive, and deflection methods, you’ll be able to handle a variety of low shot situations with confidence.
Remember to stay focused, stay low, and stay ready to recover. With time, saving low shots will become second nature, ensuring you keep the ball out of the net as much as possible.