Question:

One of our goal keepers dives to the left as an instinctive reaction, rather than the right. Even when logging at a short corner he will dive left.

Is this something which I should attempt to coach him out of and, if so , how.

On the positive side, he has a much higher success rate at reverse side tackling and regularly surprises centre forwards.

Answer:

Next month’s tip is on slide tackling so stay tuned. Your keeper is going to have to learn to slide tackle to his strong stick side. Usually when a keeper has the problem you described, it’s because he has a dominant foot, left or right, and is way too comfortable going to a side. Work on your keeper’s footwork leading up to his slide. If he’s slide tackling to his strong stick side, his last step will be with his left foot and he’ll throw his right foot/leg down, getting his right hip down. This forces him to slide tackle on his strong stick side. As for laying down on corners, he really has to be on his stick side. He puts his post player at risk laying out the other way. Like any new skill, be patient. Don’t expect instant results, but know that there will be payoff.

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