Teaching Football Skills Goalkeeping 4. For a ball coming in the air, a goalkeeper secures the ball with both hands. The two hands need to work together as one unit. Key Words • Two Hands • Catch It - Hug It Teaching Diving for a Ground Ball It is important to learn how to dive safely, without jarring the body. By lowering the center of gravity before diving, the impact on the ground will be less and the speed to the ball increased. Key Words • Stay Low • Crouch Bend the Knees Teach the athlete to dive on the side of the body, not flat on the stomach. Diving on the side increases the barrier in front of the ball and is safer. Key Words • Side • Not Stomach Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 101