What is moving with the ball?

Moving with the ball involves a player travelling from one area of the field to another while keeping possession.

This could be over a small distance or a much greater one. It could entail having to get past an opponent or multiple opponents, or it could be completely unopposed.

Rarely, though, does it involve players travelling in a straight line. Even when they are unopposed, it is likely they will need to alter the pathway they are on.

Finally, for it to be fully successful, the player will need to complete an additional action at the end, such as a shot on goal, a pass to a team-mate, or a cross.

Why do we move with the ball?

Players will choose or be forced to travel with the ball for a number of reasons, such as to move away from danger or get closer to the opposition’s goal.

Whatever the reason, a player moving with the ball as an individual can have a significant influence on the game, as it will often impact their opponents’ defensive organisation.

Let’s look closer at the reasons for moving with the ball.

"Moving with the ball gives players a chance to get it away from danger..."

To secure possession: When initially gaining possession of the ball, players will sometimes find themselves under pressure from one or more defenders, as the area in which they received the pass has a limited amount of space.

To get the ball away from this danger, players can either look to pass it on to a team-mate or they may decide to travel with it themselves. 

Moving with the ball in these situations gives players a chance to get it away from danger and secure possession. 

Once they have done so, it also provides the player with more time and space to execute their next action, which makes it easier than if they were under pressure in a congested area of the field.

To beat an opponent: Going past an opponent, particularly if you are travelling towards the opposition’s goal or are already close to it, can be very beneficial.

It forces another opposition player to engage the ball, moving them away from their previous position, meaning their team will not be as organised or as compact as they would like to be.

Forcing another opponent to engage the player with the ball will open up space on the pitch for them or a team-mate.