The Day Pip Dived
Pip is scared of the ball flying at the goal. Can a brave heart help?
Coach Ella the elephant blew the whistle. ‘Today we need a new goalkeeper!’ Pip gulped. Everyone looked at Pip. ‘Me?’ he squeaked.
Pip did not like the idea at all. The ball came so fast! What if it bumped his nose? What if it went past him? His tummy did a funny little flip-flop.
Pip pulled on the big orange gloves and stood in the goal. Kai took the first shot. WHOOSH! The ball flew past, and Pip shut his eyes.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Coach Ella, kneeling down. ‘Smile, and the ball will feel friendly.’ Pip took a deep breath. Then another. His tummy flip-flops began to slow down.
The next shot came. Open eyes. Big hands. Bounce! The ball landed right in Pip’s gloves. ‘I SAVED IT!’ he yelled, jumping up and down.
All through the game, Pip dived left and dived right. He saved four shots. Each one made him feel taller, braver and bigger.
After the match, Kai gave Pip a high-five. ‘You’re a super goalkeeper!’ Pip grinned. Being scared hadn’t stopped him at all.
The little lesson
Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. It means you try anyway.
Let’s talk about it
- Is there anything that makes you feel nervous? What helps?
- Why do you think Pip felt better after the first save?
Finish stories to collect Pip as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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