3 free sessions to encourage players’ movements to receive the ball in a tight situation

During practices with our teams, many times we shout at our players: ‘Open up!’ or ’Find space!’. But, are we really practicing that particular subject?

• Do we focus on player’s movement?
• Do we instruct our players how to perform movement in certain situations?
• Do we create exercises to encourage certain movements?

Players will say: ’They don’t pass to me’, or ‘I am not getting the ball’. Can and should that be developed?

Here are 3 different setups that focus on players’ movement to receive the ball in a situation where they’re closely marked with the opponent. Only if we put players in a real situation, we can observe their level. Level characteristics are:

• vision,
• creativity,
• motivation,
• technical ability and
• physical condition.

SIMULATE THE REAL GAME

The moments are taken from a real match situation and simulate real game. During the session, the main focus is on receiving the ball in a closely marked action by the opponent player. For players to receive the pass, they need to perform movements to put them in a proper position which is away from their defender. Since they’re closely marked, they should make dummy runs and zig zag moves to succeed. They must be able to make changes of direction and rhythm of their runs. Once they receive the ball, they should continue the action and keep possession for their team, or finish with a shot at goal.

During the session, correct the quality of passing as well as an accurate defending phase. During every training practice, transition is an important factor.

SESSIONS FOR EVERY AGE

This type of exercises should be proposed as regular objective in any training program. It can be designed for any age or level of players. It is crucial that there is a concept to develop and practice. Practice can be used as warm up, or main part of the session. The intensity is high, so it develops physical attributes, too.

1.

SETUP 1:

Area 12×20 meters. Players inside the square are in 1v1 situation. Two players are positioned on the narrower sides of the rectangular playing area.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Two players on the outside of the playing area keep possession of the ball creating 3v1 situation. The pass from outside players must go to the player in the middle in attacking situation. When the defender wins the ball, he/she plays with two outside players. Players change roles after 3 minutes.

COACHING POINTS:

Create movements to put yourself in a position to receive the ball making changes of direction and speed. Receive the ball away from a defender. Before you receive the ball, see and decide the next move. Take the defender away in the space, and with a change of speed, show up for the pass.

2.

SETUP 2:

Area 12×20 meters. Players inside the square are in 1v1 situation. Two players are positioned on the wider sides of the rectangular playing area.

COACHING POINTS:

Create movements away from a defender from his sides to receive the ball. During receiving, keep body position open to see all the action (not turning your back to the play). Play a quick pass to avoid dribbling and contact from a defender and don’t risk to lose possession.

3.

SETUP 3:

Area is 20 meters in front of the goal with the goalkeeper. Players are divided in three groups and positioned like on the diagram. Two players are attackers and one player is defender.

INSTRUCTIONS:

First players from all three groups start the action. Player A Passes the ball to the player B who receives the ball and crosses to player A who tries to score a goal. Player C tries to defend the goal marking player A. If the defender wins the ball, he scores in the small goal between the two groups encouraging transition phase.

COACHING POINTS:

Attackers who receive the cross must adjust their run and take the perfect moment to show up for the pass changing direction and speed. They should predict the situation and choose the best option to finish the action. It refers also to the players who are crossing the ball. The movements and the whole action should be fast and sharp. The wrong pass, or control, can result the counter attack.

VARIATIONS:

Play the action from both sides alternately. The distance can vary. Add more players creating various situations, 2v1, or 2v2.