Free Soccer Drills

SKILL

15

Creating Space | Skill Practice (15-P3)

Set Up / Organisation
Practice 3 of our Xavi themed compilation ‘Creating Space’ is based on attacking in a 4231 against a traditional 442. In what is essentially a 6 v 2 Rondo, our 6 players look to keep possession around a defending pair (9 and 10) in a 15 by 15 yard area, creating space to penetrate, if defenders win the ball they must run the ball over any line within 3 seconds.
 

15 P3 1

 

15 P3 2

 
Set Up / Organisation
Players must look to draw defenders one side to create space in wide areas or play a split pass by encouraging a single player press.
 

15 P3 3

 

15 P3 4

 
Progressions & Constraints | 1
  • Constraint | Possession team to play one player in a 7 by 7 yard central area to combine
 

15 P3 5

 

15 P3 6

 
Progressions & Constraints | 2
  • Progression | Add 2 channels, which only one player must occupy at all times
 
Progressions & Constraints | 3
  • Progression | Central midfielders (8 and 4) must rotate after each successful combination or after every 5 seconds
 
Key Coaching Points
  • Tactical | Forcing direction to create a 2 v 2 and eliminate extra attacking player
  • Technical | Defensive ability in 1 v 1s, jockeying on toes able to adjust and turn
  • Social | Support teammates who become the primary pressing player (positioning)
 

15 P3 7

 
Player Challenges | Defenders
  • Defenders spotting gaps to penetrate
 

15 P3 8

 
Player Challenges | Fullbacks
  • Fullbacks creating quick angles to build play in front and behind the ballPace and angles of recovery runs made
 

15 P3 9

 
Player Challenges | Midfielders
  • Midfielders recognising when and how to drop in to connect.