Game version
Dive-by-steps game: on soft ground a partner rolls a ball and you go through the steps from kneeling to a low dive. Swap and cheer each safe step.
Keeper Low Dive Progression
Build up to a full low dive, step by step, on soft ground.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start from your knees and fall to the side to catch a rolled ball.
Core: Low fall. Move up only when the last step feels easy.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, partner, soft grass or mat
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Start from your knees and fall to the side to catch a rolled ball.
- Move to a squat start, then a standing start a step away from the ball.
- Push off the foot nearest the ball, land on your side with hands to the ball.
- Do 6 each side at each stage; stop if anything hurts.
Coaching point
Push off the near foot, hands lead, land on your side.
Safety: Practice falls on soft grass or a mat, start from your knees, and never dive at a player's feet without a coach.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a step: Less (kneeling), Core (low fall), More (full low dive on soft ground). Move up only when the last step feels easy.
Story
You are a superhero practicing your landing.
My best
Beat your own count
Move up only when the last step feels easy. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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