Maximise space to teach team shapes

Courtesy of www.footy4kids.co.uk

Maximise space to teach team shapes


Demonstrate the need for space (with thanks to Bob Christensen)

First, you need to show your players that it is easier to play soccer surrounded by space rather than other players. You can do this by setting up a very small pitch (about 20 yards by 10 yards), splitting your squad into two teams and getting them to play soccer in it.

After they have played for a few minutes, stop and ask your players if it is easy playing soccer in this space? If not, why? Someone will say it is too crowded.

Similarly, create a circle about eight yards across, spread your players around it and ask one of them to stand in the middle. Tell the players around the circle to pass to each other across the circle, keeping the ball away from the player in the middle (the 'defender').

Ask them if it is easy or hard? Then make the circle bigger and try again. Is it easier now there is more space between the players?

Make the circle really big (about 30 yards across) and repeat the exercise. Discuss why it is now easy for the 'defender' to intercept the passes. The answer is because the outside players are too far apart.

Gradually make the circle smaller again until your players discover the distance between them that makes it hard for the 'defender' to intercept the ball, but not so far apart that they can't pass accurately to each other. This is the distance you ideally want your players to be spaced apart during matches.

Shape is the key, not fixed positions

Now you have demonstrated to your players the need for space between them to play soccer effectively, you might be tempted to place them in traditional positions - defender, midfielder and attacker.

Planting players in these positions may work in the short term. But I suggest you would be better getting your players to understand the concept of 'shape' first. It's not difficult - providing your players understand why they need to have some space around them.

The most common and effective shapes in soccer are the triangle and the diamond. As your players move around during matches and practice, you should be able to see these shapes everywhere.

But lets begin with just one triangle.

Take three of your players and stand in front of them holding a ball. Ask them to form a triangle shape with two 'defenders' at the back and one 'attacker' in front. They need to be spaced the ideal distance apart (see above).

Ask them to look around and recognise the shape they have made. Now hold the ball out and move slowly around them, getting closer and further away. Get your players to keep their triangle shape pointing at you as you move around and make sure they remain the correct distance apart.

Once they have mastered the triangle, create a diamond shape by adding a fourth player behind the two defenders (in a sweeper position). Again, move around with the ball while your players maintain their shape. As you move, different players become the point of the diamond but the shape is the same.

Now put the ball on the ground and dribble it slowly around the players. See if they can stay in the diamond formation. If they can, congratulations! Your team has a 'proper' shape.