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Technique

1v1 Situations

Master one-on-one situations with proper positioning, timing, and decision-making.

One-on-one situations test a goalkeeper's bravery, technique, and decision-making. Success requires excellent positioning to narrow the angle, reading the attacker's intentions, choosing the right moment to commit, and executing the save technique cleanly. Modern goalkeepers must be comfortable both staying big and spreading themselves low depending on the situation.

Key Points

1Close down the angle quickly but under control, don't rush recklessly
2Stay big as long as possible, making yourself as large a barrier as you can
3Watch the ball not the attacker's eyes or feet to avoid being fooled
4When spreading, drop low and wide to block all shooting angles
5Be prepared to react if the attacker tries to round you

Training Drills

✓1v1 scenarios with attackers running through on goal
✓Angle narrowing practice from different starting positions
✓Decision-making drill: when to dive at feet versus stay big
✓Reaction saves from close range after spreading
✓1v1 with the option for the attacker to shoot or dribble

Learn From the Pros

Alisson Becker's calmness and ability to stay big in 1v1sEderson's aggressive but controlled approach to closing down attackersJordan Pickford's timing when diving at attackers' feetManuel Neuer's sweeper-keeper instincts in 1v1 situations

Ask FootballGPT

“Should I rush out or hold my position in a 1v1?”

“How do I make myself bigger in one-on-one situations?”

“When should I dive at the attacker's feet?”

“How do I avoid getting chipped in 1v1s?”

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I come out versus staying on my line in a 1v1?

Come out quickly but under control when you have time and space to narrow the angle before the attacker has full control. Stay deeper if the attacker is already bearing down on you with the ball under control, as rushing out recklessly makes you vulnerable to chips or being rounded.

What does "stay big" actually mean?

Keep your body upright with arms wide and legs in a strong, balanced stance. Don't commit to going down early. By staying big, you force the attacker to make a perfect finish whilst giving yourself options to react to their decision.

How do I know when to dive at the attacker's feet?

Dive at their feet when they take a heavy touch, when they're off balance, or when they drop their head to shoot. Never dive early when they still have full control. The key is recognising the moment when they're committed to an action.

How can I avoid being chipped in 1v1 situations?

Don't come out too aggressively or commit to diving too early. Keep your weight balanced so you can react upwards if needed. Watch for the attacker opening their body or looking up, which often signals a chip attempt. Good positioning means you don't need to rush.

Expert Advisors

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The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

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Sports Scientist

Fitness and conditioning

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Academy Mind

Academy pathway U13-U18

1v1 goalkeeperone on one savesclosing down anglesgoalkeeper braveryspreading techniquegoalkeeper decision making

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