One on Ones with the Goal Keeper. 
2nd September 2011

With only the keeper to beat, the striker has to score, he can’t miss surely. All too often the player loses his cool, freezes in that split second and the chance has gone. 

Running towards the goal-keeper with the ball, the striker’s options reduce the closer he gets to goal. The way to maximize those brief options is to stay in control while waiting for the best sight of goal, before the shot is attempted.

Here is what to do the next time you have a scoring chance with just the keeper to beat.

Go Around The Keeper
On your run up to goal, watch the keeper’s every move. Feign to shoot in an attempt to make him move one way or the other, or even get him to dive. Once the keeper has made his move, slide the ball either side of him and you will be presented with a simple tap-in. Don’t show-boat or show off, because you don’t want to mess up your shot or allow a defender in the intercept the ball.

The Chip Shot
A player needs a lot of practice to master the technique of chipping the ball over an on-rushing keeper. To make this technique work and be successful you must feign a shot, or try to stub you toe on the ground to make it look like a shot, to get the keeper to go down early. Once the keeper has gone down, be calm and cool and either chip the ball over his arm’s reach or scoop it above him. Make sure you don’t chip it too high otherwise it may sail over the bar. If you have decided to chip the keeper, concentrate on doing just that and don’t change your mind midway through otherwise you will fail.

Remember, stay cool and wait for your moment to score.

Further Reading:

• The FA's Youth Masterplan

• FA Small Sided Football Guide

• FA Coaching Badges