Superhero Saves
Diving built up slowly in pairs: kneel, then crouch, then stand, on soft ground with a soft ball.
Pairs face each other on soft grass, 3 m between pairs; the keeper kneels and the partner rolls the ball to one side.
Set up
- Pairs face each other on soft grass. Keep 3 m between pairs side to side.
Pairs, 3 m to 5 m apart. Grass or mats only.
How to play
- Stage 1: the keeper kneels. The partner rolls the ball slowly to one side. The keeper falls sideways and holds it.
- Stage 2 (on the coach's call only): the keeper crouches low and the ball is rolled further.
- Stage 3 (2017s and 2016s only): the keeper stands, ball rolled or bounced low.
- Swap roles after five balls.
Keeping everyone moving
All pairs work at once. Both children are active.
Make it easier
- Stay at kneeling.
- Roll closer.
Make it harder
- Alternate sides.
- The saver rolls the ball back out.
Three things to say
- Land on your side, not your tummy.
- Two hands on the ball.
- Eyes on the ball.
Words that work: "Superhero bravery!", "Great side landing!", "Brilliant feeding, well done partner!"
Colts habit
Lift each other by being a kind feeder.
Both feet
Dive both ways.
Heads up
Watch the feeder's hands.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020 to 2021
- Not used.
- 2018 to 2019
- Kneeling only.
- 2016 to 2017
- Up to standing low dives.
Safety: Grass or mats only, never hard or wet artificial surfaces. No high dives. Stop if a child is anxious.
Keeping score: Each child notes which stage felt comfortable today against last time.