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Football coaching session on how to create space when tightly marked
Soccer Drillsby Dave Clarke
In the old days of coaching, players were told to never pass the ball to another who has a marker tight on them. Nowadays, you see the top teams passing when players are surrounded by the opposition, and they can still receive the ball, control it and move it on. By Tony Carr.
In the old days of coaching, players were told to never pass the ball to another who has a marker tight on them. Nowadays, you see the top teams passing when players are surrounded by the opposition, and they can still receive the ball, control it and move it on. By Tony Carr.
This session from Tony Carr coaches players how to create space when tightly marked and remain relaxed when receiving the ball in these situations. Players need to be put under pressure so that, when it happens in a match, they will understand how they have to react.
Set up a 30-yard square split into three equal areas for the first part of the practice. Place a goal at the end of each zone.
Remove the zones as the session progresses.
This session from Tony Carr coaches players how to create space when tightly marked and remain relaxed when receiving the ball in these situations. Players need to be put under pressure so that, when it happens in a match, they will understand how they have to react.
What players should think about
- Confidence is a big part of being able to receive the ball.
- Players will often only call for the ball when they are in a lot of space. However, watching top professionals, they will see that they are comfortable receiving the ball to feet with very little room to move.
Set up a 30-yard square split into three equal areas for the first part of the practice. Place a goal at the end of each zone.
Remove the zones as the session progresses.
How to play it
In a 1v1 situation, the forward must move to create space to receive a pass. Once in possession, the forward must try to turn and shoot into the goal.
Ideally, players receive the ball while side-on to the defender with the outside of their front foot. This gives them extra space to control and distance the defender from the ball.
Also, when moving to receive the ball, it's important the forward's run is at an angle and not straight. This gives the player the option to go right or left quickly, or look for a pass around the corner.
How to develop it
Play a 2v2 on the full pitch with the three goals remaining in place. The forwards must move to receive a pass from the midfielder. The midfielder can now join the game and looks to combine with the forwards to score.
Finally, three teams of three players play a continuous 3v3 game. After defending, the teams attack and then rest. The attacking team players must make a movement to receive the ball from you and the players must combine to score a goal.
Tony Carr is the academy director of West Ham United and the editor of Smart Sessions coaching plans – they come in advanced and core versions.
Dave Clarke
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