Spacing to Keep Possession
In this practice session we are working on proper spacing so that you can keep possession and move up the field to score a goal. The session also touches on the defensive side of the ball and how you want to get compact as a group to cut off passing lanes.
The 5 W’s
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The spread out to keep possession of the ball with proper spacing and timing of runs.
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Attacking and Transitioning to attacking play
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We use this concept in all of the three thirds Attacking, middle, and defensie third.
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Everyone on the field should be concentrating on proper spacing at the proper times. This concludes that keeper who at times will need to find space.
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The keep possession of the ball to move up the field and create scoring chances.
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Some examples of ways to find space and keeping possession are scanning, explosive movements, back pedal, quietly or loud, and body profile.
Warm-up
Two teams
14 players
7 red bibs
7 blue bibs
8 yellow cones
4 Blue Cones
20 x 30 space
Warm-up 1.1
The players begin the warm up by moving around in the grid weaving in and out from each other with while making sure to not all run the same direction. Blue and Red teams be sure to intermingle.
Warm-up 1.2
After the players have properly moved around the grid the coach passes a ball to one of the players either the Blue or Red team.
The player that receives the ball freezes once they receive the ball. In the example the a Blue player receives the ball, the other Blue team players immediately expand into space away from the player with ball while also being mindful of space between themselves and the other blue players. The movements should be as stated earlier in the 5 W’s using explosive movements, back pedals, scanning the field etc.
The other team (Red team) would get compact into the center darker green grid in the middle of the outer grid once the blue player received the ball. The Red team should also use explosive quick movements thinking of the concept of closing off passing lanes. The defenders first reaction might be to go towards the ball but for this warm-up we are working on the players expanding and becoming compact as a group. They shouldn’t engage the ball but simply move into the center square or expand out as far as the outer grid will allow.