Question:
I have reached the stage in goalkeeping where I want to learn how to do the Splits. I don’t have a clue how to do them and I don’t want to try without some advice because I could injure myself. Can you give me some advice?
Answer:
I don’t know that there are a right and wrong way to make split saves. I don’t look at split saves as anything more than a reaction save. Definitely dramatic reactions, but reaction none the less. The biggest thing to keep in mind physically, is that you need the flexibility to make the save. That means you need to be well stretched. Split saves look great, but if you’re smart with your positioning you shouldn’t be in the situation where you have to make them.
As far as learning to do the splits, I’d recommend anything that stresses stretching. Yoga or any of the martial arts are great exercises for developing flexibility.