Adapted from Football Academy
Good footwork is the first step in the aerial diving save. Use small shuffle steps or even crossover steps to position yourself as close to the ball as possible. Notice that the goalkeeper shuffles across with his right foot, and then takes a sideways and forward step before jumping off the foot nearest the ball. The first step should be sideways towards where the ball is going and forwards at an angle of about 30°. The reason for moving forwards as well as sideways is that you want to deflect the ball away from goal. A common mistake made by beginners is to jump backwards over their shoulder. This is poor technique, because there is a big risk that you will deflect or even carry the ball into your own goal.
Notice that he starts the jump low down, and shoots upwards and outwards towards the ball. The jump is off the leg nearest the ball. However, if you watch his right leg you will see that he moves his knee up and across his body as he dives. This movement of the far leg helps to propel him towards the ball. The combination of the sideways and forward step, the jump off the leg nearest the ball, and the movement of the far knee across the body is called the "power step."
The general rule of goalkeeping - stay square on to the ball - is vital to the aerial diving save. Notice that the goalkeeper does not do any twisting in the air; he stays square, facing the ball during the whole dive. This position helps him to make the save by presenting the maximum body surface area to the ball, by making catching the ball easier, and by keeping his head still for watching the ball. A square position also helps the landing.
When catching the ball, his hands are spread out around the ball, and he catches the ball with "soft hands." Which part of the body lands first?
He actually brings the ball to the ground first before landing on his hip and shoulder at about the same time. Landing on both the hip and the shoulder rather than one or the other, reduces the pressure on the body on landing. This makes the landing softer, and by grounding the ball first, there is less risk of losing the ball on landing.
There will be times when you are unable to catch the ball, or you lose the ball. On those occasions, try to avoid getting up with your hands, because you need your hands to stop any follow-up shots.
A final tip is: don't worry about the landing. Many young goalkeepers get so anxious about hurting themselves that they can't concentrate on catching the ball. Just try it!
