Diving at the feet of attackers in a 1v1 situation is the moment where goalkeepers truly distinguish themselves. It’s a test of bravery and precision, where keepers must be ready to put their body on the line to prevent goals.
Stealing the ball from attackers requires determination, excellent timing, sharp decision-making, strength, patience—and a hint of madness! There are numerous scenarios and variables to consider in these intense moments.
Diving at feet is undoubtedly one of the most challenging areas of goalkeeping. Here’s how you can maximise your success in those critical 1v1 situations.
Essential Goalkeeper 1v1 Skills
1. Anticipate the Situation
Recognising the potential for a 1v1 scenario before it happens is crucial. You must be able to sense the danger and react quickly.
Remember: spectacular saves are often made when there’s no other option. Many top goalkeepers rarely need to make dramatic saves because they prevent dangerous situations before they even unfold.
Stay alert and ready to act when a through-ball is played or the attacker miscontrols the ball. Quick reactions and a proactive mindset give you a better chance to intercept or at least disrupt the attacker’s move. Reposition yourself constantly, staying one step ahead and maintaining focus on the developing play.
2. Close the Angle
A core principle of 1v1 situations is coming out to close the angle. By positioning yourself correctly, you limit the space the attacker has to aim at and force them into a more difficult shot.
When closing the angle, be mindful of your body position. Ensure that you’re still covering the goal, even while making yourself as large as possible to block the attacker’s view.
3. Make Yourself Big
To maximise your chances, keep your knees slightly bent, shift your weight forward, and spread your arms and legs wide. Stay in a set position so you can quickly change direction as needed.
Avoid making yourself small or compact. Instead, aim to appear big and intimidating, reducing the target area the attacker can aim at without sacrificing your agility.
Imagine facing a predator, but instead of being hunted, you position yourself as the hunter, commanding control over the situation.
4. Stay Focused and Be Agile
Rushing out blindly to meet an attacker isn’t always the best strategy. Assess each situation on its own merits. Don’t act hastily.
Approach the attacker in the set position, ready to react. What is the attacker going to do? A shot? A chip? A dribble? Or perhaps they’ll pass to a teammate? There are many options, and your focus must remain sharp. It becomes a game of chess, and you need to outsmart the attacker.
5. React to the Play
In 1v1 situations, the ball is in the attacker’s court. Your job is to react at the right time.
Be patient and wait for the perfect moment to:
- Make a save if you anticipate a shot.
- Dive at the feet of the attacker to capitalise on a loose touch.
- Use your body to create a barrier and block a shot.
- Strike the ball firmly to disrupt the play.
- Scramble the ball clear with your hands or feet if necessary.
Diving at feet isn’t always tidy. 1v1s are unpredictable, and often require you to act instinctively and unorthodoxly.
Check out this tutorial from Ground Glory Goalkeeping for more insights on the basic techniques of 1v1 situations.
Reacting to Various 1v1 Scenarios
1. Winning the 50/50 Ball
In a 1v1 situation, a “50/50 ball” is when you and the attacker have an equal chance of getting to the loose ball. The key is to beat the attacker to the ball and eliminate any threat.
This works best when a pass or through-ball is played with pace, and the attacker is racing to reach it. Goalkeepers have the advantage of fresher legs, which makes challenging for the ball viable.
Remember, the 50/50 situation can also occur outside the box. In those cases, you’ll need to clear the ball with a kick or even slide tackle, just like a defender. Inside the box, you should dive at the feet to secure the ball safely.
Positioning and awareness are crucial for winning most 50/50 balls. Manuel Neuer has taken this to the extreme…
2. Jockeying the Dribbling Attacker
Just like defenders, goalkeepers need to jockey (or “contain”) attackers when they have control of the ball. You’d choose this tactic if committing too early would be unwise.
Jockeying is vital for several reasons:
- It buys time for your defenders to get back.
- It restricts the attacker’s view of the goal, making it harder for them to line up a shot.
- It reduces the chance of a chip shot by getting too close to the attacker.
- It pressures the attacker, causing them to make mistakes such as bad touches, dribbling too wide, or panicked shots.
Once you’ve closed the angle, you need to decide when to commit to diving at the feet of the attacker. See section #3 for more details.
3. Capitalising on a Bad Touch
When an attacker miscontrols the ball, that’s your cue to dive in and take advantage. If the ball is pushed too far from the attacker’s body, the opportunity is yours.
You can use your whole body to make the save, shifting the odds in your favour when the attacker loses control. Watch how Joe Hart demonstrates smothering the ball as the attacker dribbles toward goal in a 1v1 scenario.
4. The Long Barrier Technique
As highlighted in the previous video, the “long barrier” technique is essential for blocking close-range shots in a 1v1 scenario.
The long barrier technique involves collapsing one leg towards the standing leg while straightening out the other. Spreading your arms and hands creates additional barriers for the ball to hit.
This technique is invaluable when the attacker is about to shoot and you have no choice but to put your body on the line to maximise the chance of deflecting the ball.
5. Preparing for a Quick Shot
Many attackers will try to catch you off guard with a quick shot, aiming to strike before you can fully react. You need to be prepared.
Ex-striker Jermain Defoe talks about his shooting technique where he aims to reduce back-lift and catch the goalkeeper out. As a goalkeeper, you need to anticipate these shots.
Sometimes, staying set rather than rushing to close the attacker is the best option. Knowing when to halt your run is crucial. Watch the attacker’s feet carefully—low intensity and light feet often indicate they’ll keep dribbling, giving you more time to assess and react.
6. Optimising Timing and Positioning
Many great 1v1 saves stem from perfect timing and positioning. Being in the right place at the right time is half the battle.
Check out this brilliant compilation from GKShowcase, where goalkeepers use the long barrier technique—yet most of the success comes from anticipating the play and positioning themselves perfectly.
10 Common 1v1 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Rushing Out Too Early
Rushing out without proper consideration can lead to disastrous results, such as allowing the attacker to lob you or easily dribble past.
Solution: Always assess the situation before committing. Closing the angle gradually is better than rushing blindly.
2. Not Closing the Angle Properly
Failing to cut down the shooting angle can make it easier for attackers to score.
Solution: Make sure to get close enough to the attacker, and use your body to block as much of the goal as possible.
3. Committing to the Wrong Direction
Diverting in the wrong direction can leave the goal exposed.
Solution: Ensure you’re committing to the direction where the attacker is most likely to shoot or dribble.
4. Underestimating the Attacker’s Skill
Sometimes, goalkeepers underestimate how skilled attackers can be, which can lead to mistakes.
Solution: Always assume the attacker will make the most difficult play, whether it’s a precise shot or a quick change of direction. Never take them lightly.
5. Forgetting to Keep Your Feet Active
It’s common for goalkeepers to become too focused on the ball and neglect their footwork, which can slow down their reactions.
Solution: Keep your feet active, even when not making a play. Stay light on your feet to ensure you’re ready to react quickly, whether it’s to make a block or change direction.
6. Failing to Communicate
Effective communication with your defenders is essential during 1v1 situations, especially when dealing with attackers who are isolated.
Solution: Use your voice to organise the defense and alert teammates to potential threats. Clear and concise communication helps the whole team respond better.
7. Diving Too Early
Jumping too early in a 1v1 scenario can leave the goalkeeper exposed, as attackers may simply shift the ball around them.
Solution: Be patient. Wait for the attacker’s final movement before committing to a dive.
8. Not Reading the Attacker’s Body Language
Attackers often signal their intentions through body movements or facial expressions, and goalkeepers need to be able to read them to react properly.
Solution: Pay close attention to the attacker’s body language to anticipate their next move. Are they preparing to shoot? Are they looking for a pass? Respond accordingly.
9. Diving Overzealously
Overzealous diving can often lead to missing the ball completely, especially if the goalkeeper commits without being sure of the ball’s trajectory.
Solution: Control your dives and only commit when you’re certain of where the ball will be. Sometimes, standing tall and waiting for the shot is the best option.
10. Poor Recovery After the Initial Challenge
After diving to challenge an attacker, goalkeepers sometimes fail to recover quickly, leaving them vulnerable to second attempts or rebounds.
Solution: Practice quick recoveries. After diving or blocking, always reset quickly to be ready for any follow-up opportunities.
Improving Your 1v1 Performance
Improving your 1v1 situations requires practice, observation, and adaptability. Here are a few tips to help elevate your performance:
- Regular Drills: Incorporate 1v1 drills into your regular training schedule, working on both anticipation and reaction time.
- Watch Top Keepers: Study how top keepers handle 1v1s. Watch footage of players like Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak for real-time insights.
- Self-Evaluation: After each match, review your 1v1 situations. Reflect on what went well and where improvements can be made.
Final Thoughts on Goalkeeper 1v1s
Mastering 1v1 situations is crucial for any goalkeeper looking to take their performance to the next level. Through anticipation, communication, and solid decision-making, you can ensure you’re always ready for that critical moment. And remember, staying calm under pressure will make all the difference when you’re diving at the feet of attackers in high-stakes moments.
Keep practicing, stay confident, and trust in your training. With time, you’ll turn those nerve-wracking 1v1 situations into confident, game-winning saves.