Gloves Up

Low Shots Straight At You

This save looks easy, which is why it goes wrong. For a low ball straight at you, put a knee down behind it, so that if it gets past your hands it still cannot get past you.

Knee behind the ball

Set, then step into line with the ball.
Turn a little side on. One knee goes down beside your other heel.
No gap: knee and foot make a wall behind your hands.
Little fingers together, scoop it up into your chest.

Into line: Take a small step so the ball is coming at the middle of your body.
Knee down: Turn a little side on and put one knee on the ground, right beside the heel of your other foot.
No gap: Your knee, shin and foot make a wall. A ball should not fit between them.
Hands: In front of the knee, little fingers together, fingers pointing down, palms open to the ball.
Gather: Let it roll up your hands and forearms into your chest, and lean over it.
When it is fast: If there is no time to get a knee down, stay on your feet with your feet together and scoop it the same way.

Common mistakes

Leaving a gap between the knee and the other foot.
Kneeling square on both knees, so you cannot get up quickly.
Reaching out with stiff hands, so the ball bounces off them.
Standing up before the ball is safe in your chest.

Practise it with Straight At You, Hands Circuit, Second Ball.