Southend United’s football stars could be given lessons in how to dive to help avoid injury ahead of next season.
Southend Judo Club suggested the lessons in “Ukemi” – the ancient art of how to fall safely to avoid injury – to protect the Blues’ small squad ahead of a tough season in League Two.
The judo club were on show at the Shrimper’s ‘Meet the Blues’ Day last week and enjoyed teaching club coaches their different techniques and skills on the mat.
Chairman of Southend Judo club, John Horrigan, said: "I have to admit I know nothing much about football, but I did attend a game at Southend as a guest and their hospitality and friendship to another sport was great."
"Putting a shoulder out or hurting a wrist after a fall can lay up a pro-footballer for weeks or even months so Ukemi could hopefully save the team a match!"