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

CROSS-OVER RUNS

The 'Cross-Over' is a simple but effective method of creating space that is used by attacking players when the play becomes tight. The idea is to draw defenders together in order to create space either side of them. The attackers then have the option of exploiting space either side.

Organisation

Area Players

20 x 25
2 Attackers
2 Defenders
1 Goalkeeper

Equipment

Footballs
Bibs
Markers
Full size goal

Practice

X runs the ball across the area towards X1
X1 comes to meet X
Both players are marked by O and O1 respectively
When they meet, X has the option of continuing on with the ball or allowing X1 to take the ball from him
Space has been created on both sides by pulling the defenders together
The space must then be exploited by the X players with a shot at goal

Key Points

The player on the ball should keep it on the foot that is furthest from the defender thereby using his body as a screen.

Communication is essential. Both players must know who is going to take the ball.
As the players perform the cross-over, they must change pace and accelerate into the space that has been created.

Players must remain relaxed and composed in order to finish off the move with a shot on target.