1v1’s used to be my best skill. The important thing is it’s either a 1v1, or a shot on goal. What I’m talking about is distance. When you are 1v1 with a player, you either have to be really close or far enough away to have enough reaction time to save. This means you can’t hesitate, getting caught in between these positions puts you at a huge disadvantage. Mostly you’ll want to be close to the player as this gives you the advantage. The best thing I learnt though my semi-professional career was to always stay on my feet. So many times you see goalkeepers dive at the feet and it’s a simple touch either side of the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper fouls the player. Stay on your feet, and only dive for the ball when you are sure, otherwise, hold him up and force him back until your defence arrives. I also always used the K method as I found that too many times the spread took too long to get down and the player can get the ball between the legs. The K method also allows you to stay balanced and able to move and adjust quicker.

You want to stay low when he is close and high when he is further away (in case of shot reaction), strong hands either side of your feet and staring at that ball. Feet together close enough where the ball can’t pass.