CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

CREATING SPACE

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction   Cross over runs  The Overlap   Creating Space 1 and 2    Creating Space 3    Creating Space 4    Creating Space 5    Creating Space 6    Creating Space 7   Creating Space 8   Creating Space 9   Creating Space for Junior Players    Creating Space for Junior Players 2

CREATING SPACE 5

Players have to learn to create space all over the field and that includes starting out from the goalkeeper at the back.

In diagram I, Goalkeeper (G) races out to collect the ball fed by the coach to position (G2), and then looks to start an attack by feeding (D1) who has moved out to the right flank.  This is a common occurrence in football as a team tries to turn defence into attack.

To practice their quick thinking and movement, coaches can try the following practice.

Area 30m x 20m.  A Goalkeeper in each goal, who can only handle the ball in the shaded areas i.e. 20m x 3m

Three out-field players on each team, who cannot enter the shaded areas.

They must try and score past the goalkeeper – but they cannot shoot from their own half of the field.  Players must try and create openings, goalkeepers looking to use the ball well at every opportunity.  In defensive positions (under pressure) players can pass back to the goalkeeper then move to a fresh position.