Q&A for How to Dive in Soccer

Make sure that you seem pretty injured (e.g. limp, sigh really loudly) -- and don't have a record of diving.

Yes. It doesn't matter if you meant it or not. If you fouled, it is a foul.

It's like any other shot except you need to try to strike the ball in an upward movement from as under the ball as possible. This will generate the angle and friction in order for the ball to fly up and down at speed and accuracy. Like everything it takes practice.

In your case, it would be useful to learn the knuckleball technique. Here are some notes about how to strike the perfect knuckleball: Have the valve slightly below center. Take 5 steps. Strike through the ball. Follow through to the side and have an upright posture while taking the free kick. Start with a slow starting run-up, then increase speed at halfway, and peak speed when you strike the ball. Ronaldo has said, For the perfect knuckleball, strike the ball through the heart."

Imagine a line straight through the middle of the ball going horizontal, like the equator on earth. Kick the ball above the imaginary line. For more power, try kicking the ball at the imaginary line directly, right in the middle of the ball.

Get your hands around the ball, make sure it is a enclosing position, and catch with your fingertips, not your palms. Your body should be square to the ball in a good balanced position. Jump if needed.

It means that you are dragging the ball back too far or you are not putting your leg in front after you drag it back.

The biggest diver is Luis Suarez, in my opinion, but diving is done by all strikers, even the greats.

You should ask your coach to help you with technique, but a classic goalie trick is the 'wall,' where you put your hands next to each other and put your thumbs touching at a 45 degree angle, making a 'w' shape. Then, as the ball comes, deflect it to the ground with the 'w' shape your hands make.

It's not illegal unless you hit the foot of the player when you dive and not the ball.