Moving into space with the ball

Whether committing a defender in a 2v1 situation, bursting through a defence into space, or starting an attack from the back, moving with the ball quickly into space is a fundamental attacking skill.

What this session is about

1. Running with the ball.
2. Attacking space.

What to think about

• Technique first, speed later.
• Big first touch, controlling ball into space away from the defender.
• Use laces of front of foot.
• Move quickly keeping ball under control.
• Head up.
• Run in a straight line but change direction when needed.
• Smooth running stride.
• Pass ball with laces after the run.

Set-up

• Area approx 35x35m.
• 12 players.

Warm up	Session	Developments	Game Situation	Warm Down
10 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	5 minutes

What you get your players to do

6 players start inside the area with balls, with the other 6 moving around outside the area.

Players inside can either run to or pass towards an outside player.

If they run, the outside player takes the ball, making sure the players pass each other right shoulder to right shoulder (or vice versa).

Whichever way the outside player receives the ball, they run onto the pitch to continue the drill, with the inside player taking their position on the outside.

Switch with an outside player by running with the ball or passing.

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Development

Play 5 attackers v 3 defenders using 2 balls. The remaining 4 players stand outside the grid on each of the 4 sides, and can move to provide support.

The attacking players aim to keep possession and should take advantage of any opportunity to run with the ball and combine with the outside players as in the previous drill.

Switch players between attacking and defending so everyone has a go at running with the ball.

Keep possession by running with the ball whenever possible.

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Game situation

Set up a 35x30m playing area with two end zones.

Play 4v4 with 2 additional neutral players inside the playing area, and a neutral player on each touchline.

Neutral players are limited to 2 touches and can’t run with the ball.

Play begins with the one of the neutral players passing the ball onto the pitch. Each team can run with the ball into either end zone to win a point.

Once a team has been successful, it attacks the opposite end zone.

So that everyone has a go, the neutral players can switch with one of the teams.

Attack the space to reach the end zone and score a point.

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What to call out

• “Be positive”
• “Good first touch”
• “Try a one-two”