The research, published by Dr Paul Morris from the University of Portsmouth, revealed referees could be helped to spot the signs of cheating, even in the split seconds in which they occur.
He said: 'We think even the experienced professionals could enhance their decision-making by studying the categories of deceptive behaviour we have identified.'
The research shows that there are different ways in which footballers fake a fall. This includes 'clutching their body where they haven't been hit' and 'taking an extra roll when they hit the ground'.
'In most dishonest tackles the behaviour itself does not indicate dishonesty – the deception is revealed in the timing and co- ordination of the behaviours,' Dr Morris explained.
'But one action is unique to a faked fall - 'the archer's bow'. This occurs in many dives but biomechanically it does not occur in a natural fall.
'Instead instinctively the arms either go down in an attempt to cushion the fall or out to the side for balance.'
The professor also stated an indication of deception was when 'both arms go above the shoulder'.
During the study Dr Morris showed four-second clips of tackles to 300 people.
The results showed there was a strong agreement between the participants in their verdict of who intended to deceive and who did not.
The findings are particularly relevant at the moment, given the recent controversy over Arsenal striker Eduardo's two-game ban for diving against Celtic in the Champions League, which was subsequently repealed by Uefa.
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