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

THE OVERLAP

This a continuation of the earlier section which dealt with the movement of the ball i.e. a player moving into a fresh position to receive the ball, invariably to avoid marking by an opponent.

In the overlap we are considering a player moving on the outside of a colleague to spring into an attack.

Consider this first practice, which will help demonstrate the movement and the intention of it.

Practice 1

Here the attacker A is in possession of the ball, the defender B confronts A. A2 is the player ready to overlap.

Initial Organisation: 3 players, 1 ball, area 10 metres x 20 metres

A has to time the pass so that A2 is not beyond B when the ball arrives.

This is to ensure A2 is not offside, and also for A to practice delivering the correct weight of the pass.

The coach should ensure that A passes with (on this occasion) the outside of the right foot, and with the correct weight and direction on the delivery.

This sets up the progression from a starting point, as it will be noted that B will immediately consider the run of A2.

N.B. Should B set off toward A2 before the ball is delivered by A then A should dribble on and let A2 act as a decoy.

It should be noted, too, that A has to decide when and whether to pass to A2. This is an important part of the practice.

Practice 2

A progression from practice 1.

This time A2 plays the ball to A, who has to control, turn to attack where he will be confronted by B (who moves from a starting position S).

At that point A2 can set off, and his aim is to be in control of the ball when he runs over the end line marked C.

N.B. The coach again must insist in the accuracy, weight and timing of A2's pass, and the timing of A2's run.

This practice makes a much more demanding run from A2, - also a more demanding role for A.

This involves a move close to their opponents goal line.

A moves away into the field, but A2 comes from his position near the touch line and overlaps down the outside of B who delivers the ball putting A2 in a dangerous attacking position coming along the goal line.

In the process A and A2 will cross over runs.