Core Topic 7: Movement To Create Space

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

The game opens up when players move with purpose. If everyone stands still, defenders win. But when a player moves at the right time, into the right space, it forces defenders to react, and that creates opportunities. Movement is about more than just running, it’s about reading the moment, making decisions without the ball, and timing runs so they actually matter.

I teach double movements to lose a marker like check away then sprint back, because deception works off the ball too. I focus on timing and triggers, not just running early, but when teammate looks up or when space opens. I show players how to create space sometimes for themselves, sometimes for others. I use games that reward intelligent movement through points for receiving in specific zones or third-man runs.

Types of movement include moving to receive (check away then come short, bend run to stay onside), moving to create space (drag defender away, overlap to stretch defence), and timing triggers (ball-carrier lifts head, defender ball-watches). Key movement principles cover timing (too early means offside, too late means space closed), angle (curved runs keep options open), deception (slow to fast changes), and communication (call for ball, make eye contact).

Progressive development moves from pattern runs without opposition learning mechanics, to passive defenders seeing how movement affects marking, to live small-sided with real consequences, to position-specific movement patterns. Common problems include always wanting ball to feet (reward runs past the ball), making runs but never getting found (work on timing), and standing still in possession (give specific movement tasks). Key coaching points include “move to move defenders” and “time your run off the passer.”

Lose your marker. Arrive on time. Create options.

Why This Topic Matters

The game opens up when players move with purpose. If everyone stands still, defenders win. But when a player moves at the right time, into the right space, it forces defenders to react, and that creates opportunities.

This topic helps players understand that movement is about more than just running. It’s about reading the moment, making decisions without the ball, and timing runs so they actually matter.

It’s not about how fast they run. It’s about when and where they go.

How We Coach It

We teach double movements to lose a marker

Check away, then sprint back. Slow walk, then explosive run. Deception works off the ball too.

We focus on timing and triggers

Not just running early. When teammate looks up, when defender turns head, when space opens.

We show players how to create space

Sometimes for themselves, sometimes for others. Both movements matter.

We use games that reward intelligent movement

Points for receiving in specific zones, for third-man runs, for dragging defenders away.

Sometimes movement creates space to receive. Sometimes it creates space for someone else. Both are valuable, and both can be coached. Some players naturally scan and move, others need help seeing the value of movement without the ball.

What Success Looks Like

Think of Thomas Müller. He’s not the fastest, flashiest player, but he’s almost always in the right place. He moves when others are watching the ball. He pulls defenders away, arrives late, and creates chaos with his timing.

That’s what we want. Players who move with intent, not just to get open, but to unbalance the game.

Types of Movement

To Receive

To Create Space

Timing Triggers

Different players excel at different movements. Help them find what works.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Solution
Always wants ball to feet, never runs beyond Reward runs past the ball. “Sometimes the best pass is the one you don’t receive.”
Makes runs but never gets found Work on timing. Too early is as bad as too late.
Stands still when team has possession Give specific movement tasks. “Pull the centre-back wide.”
Great movement in training, static in matches Start with one movement pattern per match. Build from there.

Progressive Movement Development

Stage 1: Pattern Runs

Rehearsed movements without opposition. Learn the mechanics.

Stage 2: Passive Defenders

Defenders present but not competing. See how movement affects marking.

Stage 3: Live Small-Sided

Real defenders, real consequences. Movement creates real advantages.

Stage 4: Position-Specific

Movement patterns for their position. Striker runs vs midfielder runs.

Some players grasp this quickly, others need patient explanation of why movement matters.

Key Movement Principles

Timing

Angle

Deception

Communication

These principles apply across all positions, but execution varies.

Key Coaching Points

Find phrases that help your players understand movement value.

Training Movement Intelligence

Games That Teach

Individual Development

Building Habits

Remember, some players are natural movers, others need systematic teaching.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model