One-v-one against the striker in waves
1v1 situations where the striker receives a pass from the edge of the box and attacks the keeper, who must read when to engage and block.
Step 1Pase al espacio
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El entrenador juega al espacio y el delantero arranca hacia el balón.
Objective
Improve the keeper's decision making and blocking technique in 1v1 situations against a striker running at goal.
Organisation
Quarter pitch with a full-size goal. Coach with balls 25 m from goal; 4-6 strikers queued beside two cones 20 m out, at an angle. Two cones 5 m from the goal line mark the keeper's decision zone. Two keepers alternate every action.
Development
- 1The keeper waits in the set position 2 m off the goal line.
- 2The coach plays a pass into space for the first striker, who starts running as soon as the ball is played.
- 3The keeper advances while the ball travels and stops in the set position when the striker controls it, about 8-10 m from goal.
- 4The striker drives at the keeper and tries to beat them with a dribble or a shot; the keeper waits for a heavy touch or the moment of the shot to go to ground and block with the body, and stays on the feet while the striker keeps the ball under control.
- 5The action ends with a goal, a catch, a clearance or the ball leaving the box.
- 6Strikers rotate in waves; each keeper completes 8-10 actions alternating sides.
Coaching points4
- Advance while the ball is travelling and stop when the striker has the ball at the feet.
- Stay big and on the feet as long as possible; go to ground only on a heavy touch or the shot.
- Block side-on with arms extended and the head protected behind the upper arm.
- Close the angle towards the striker's dominant foot without opening the far side.
Common mistakes3
- Going to ground too early and being at the mercy of the dribble.
- Diving head first forwards instead of blocking with the side of the body and the hands.
- Retreating towards the goal line as the striker advances, giving away shooting angle.
Variations3
- Add a recovering defender chasing the striker so the keeper decides whether to delay.
- The striker receives with the back to goal and must turn before driving, giving the keeper time to narrow the angle.
- Limit the striker to three touches to force quick actions.
Progressions2
- Coach serves in the air or on the diagonal to make the striker's control harder.
- Two strikers against the keeper with one pass allowed before finishing.
Regressions2
- The striker receives standing still and advances at reduced speed until the keeper masters the timing.
- Narrow the goal with cones and use a size 4 ball for younger age groups.
Tips
- Score every action (goal, save, parry) to create competition between keepers and strikers.
- Correct the decision of when to go to ground first, and the blocking technique second.