Mastering 1v1 Situations: Tips for Dominating Close-Range Moments

Louie makes a 1 on 1 save for Onehunga Sports FC against winger and friend Rossi Nkoy, who was playing for rivals Birkenhead United AFC at the time.

Onehunga would go on to win the Premier League and Chatham Cup this year, setting the best defensive record in a decade.

One-on-one situations are among the most challenging and decisive moments in goalkeeping, meaning that you need to give serious attention to the techniques you use in this area.

A split-second decision can be the difference between a game-winning save and conceding a goal, so mastering these moments requires a combination of positioning, timing, bravery, and technical execution.

Here’s how you can dominate 1v1 situations and make yourself a capable presence between the posts…

1. Starting Position Matters

This is not a ‘One size fits all’ guide and the advice differs depending on the situation.

If the attacker is bearing down on you from further out after breaking through, you need to be positioned far enough out to close them down but not too far or you risk being chipped.

Attackers look for cues and if they see you committing to diving early, they’ll simply take it around you or play it to your exposed side.

If your starting position is high enough you’ll be able to close the distance to the attacker quickly and either force them into a rushed decision or get so close that you smother the shot.

Example: Joe Hart was known for his patience in 1v1 scenarios, often spreading his body effectively and staying big until the last moment.

2. Close the Distance Quickly

Don’t go to ground too early.

This is going to make life easy for the attacker because you’re effectively making their decision for them, which is the opposite of what are trying to do.

As soon as a through ball is played or an attacker breaks free, your first movement should be to close down the angle.

The closer you are, the less of the goal they have to aim at but the easier it is for them to go around you.

Often, forcing them to go around you and pushing them wide is a great option.

Remember, rushing out recklessly can lead to mistimed challenges, penalties or red cards so approach with controlled speed, ready to adjust.

Example: Pepe Reina excelled at sweeping up behind his defense, using his speed and reading of the game to close attackers down before they could take their shot.

3. The ‘Spread’ Technique

When closing down a player at speed with continued momentum, set your feet and make yourself as big as possible.

The ‘starfish’ or ‘K-block’ technique—popularized by goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer and Joe Hart—involves spreading your arms and legs wide to cover as much of the goal as possible.

This makes it harder for the attacker to find a corner or play the ball either side, with an arm and leg protecting the left and right side.

However, this can often leave the area between your legs vulnerable to being nutmegged or a clever striker can pass it under you, so stay close to the ground.

4. The ‘Low-Block’ Technique

This is a fantastic option for goalkeepers to choose when the striker is right up close or on a seemingly difficult angle.

Many goalkeepers concede goals from a very tight angle because they expose a gap between their legs, giving the ball a path to goal when it should be closed.

The low-block involves dripping one knee to the ground and lowering your hands to the ground, either side of your body creating an impenetrable wall.

When the attacker is up close there is zero possibility of them going through you, and on the angle it becomes impossible to go underneath you.

This leaves the only other option to pass around the goalkeeper or try to strike it high and hard into the roof of the net, which is an incredibly difficult technique.

4. Read the Attacker’s Body Language

A striker’s body position can give away what they’re about to do before they do it.

If they look down at the ball, they might try to dribble around you.

If they glance up and set themselves, they’re likely preparing to shoot.

React accordingly—if they take a heavy touch, you may have an opportunity to go and claim the ball by diving at their feet.

5. Be Brave and Commit When Necessary

Sometimes, a 1v1 situation calls for absolute bravery.

If the attacker takes a bad touch or slows down, that’s your chance to dive in and smother the ball at their feet.

Confidence in these moments can win you the ball before the striker even takes a shot.

Timing is crucial in these moments as some attackers will look to keep the ball close to their feet and then draw contact, thus winning a penalty when they were in a previously non-threatening position.

6. Anticipate the Situation Before It Happens

Top goalkeepers don’t just react to 1v1 situations; they anticipate them before they happen.

Read the game, understand your opponent and their preferences, communicate with your defenders, and be aware of potential through balls.

Cutting out danger early is the best way to avoid a 1v1 situation altogether.

Mastering 1v1 situations takes a combination of technical skill, mental composure, and tactical awareness.

By staying on your feet, closing space intelligently, using the right techniques, and reading the game, you can turn these difficult moments into game-saving opportunities.

Train these principles consistently, and you’ll become a confident, dominant goalkeeper in close-range moments.

Want to take your 1v1 goalkeeping skills to the next level?

Join NZGKU for elite goalkeeper coaching sessions where we break down these techniques in detail and help you refine your game and become the best goalkeeper you can be.