Rounding the Keeper 1v1

Many strikers struggle to round the keeper when 1v1 . This mainly happens due to two reasons :

1) Mind Frame : Being in the correct mindframe is always important . Decision making plays a big part in this . Choosing if to round the keeper or to take the shot before it , the decision is one to stick to .

2) Faking it : It is more than expected that the keeper will commit if you choose to fake it and go around him , given you do it correctly . We will go over 2 skill moves which are super effective in this case :

a) Feint

This is a move which works all the time , in any situation , at any position , if done correctly . In this case however , we will slightly vary from the established norms of the skill . Have a look at this skill first :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag6e_arLW8E

First , the setup to the move . It is VERY IMPORTANT to take a touch ahead of you and make it look like you are going to shoot .

Here , you will notice that I don't do the usual feint , where you drop the shoulder and sprint away quickly . Instead , I drop my shoulder TWICE , in the same direction , and then take a touch in the other . This is precautionary . With this , we make sure the goalkeeper is falling for it . We invest more time into the fake , and then quickly turn away and score .

b) Mahrez Chop

This is one of my favourite skills in a match situations . We see Mahrez do this really well , and these days , Mbappe is also using this very often . Have a look at the skill :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx-GfHIyoPI

Here again , we take a heavy touch forward at an angle to make it look like setup to a shot . This will force the keeper to commit .

The trick lies in the positioning and involvement of your upper body while dragging the ball with the sole of your foot . Ideally , you would like to throw your leg as hard as you can , while at the same time , dropping your shoulders as you would normally do .

This will come with practice and you would get better with time . Also , notice that I take a touch immediately after I drag the ball . This ensures that the ball is still in control as you would often be at a high speed performing this move .

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