Week 8 - Movement to Create Space
Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/62d426ee
Session Focus
Movement to Create Space
Developing intelligent off-the-ball movement to create and exploit space. This week focuses on timing runs, decoy movements, and understanding how to manipulate defenders with movement. Players learn that the best players are always moving with purpose, even without the ball.
Building tactical understanding of movement patterns and space creation.
Structure & Flow of Session
1. Ball Mastery Warm-Up (10 mins)
Movement Patterns Rondo
Rondo where outside players must move into specific zones to receive. Focus on timing and creating angles.
- Players can only receive in certain zones
- Must move into zone just before pass
- Rotate positions regularly
Coach Prompts:
- “When do you start your run?”
- “Are you showing for the ball or making space?”
- “Can you fake to go one way then check back?”
2. Contextual Game Scenario (15 mins)
Creating Space for Others
Small group practices focusing on movement combinations - third-man runs, decoys, and interchanges.
- 3v2 and 4v3 overloads
- Specific movement patterns
- Reward intelligent off-ball work
Coach Prompts:
- “Did your run create space for a teammate?”
- “When did you start your movement?”
- “What did the defender do when you moved?”
3. Small Sided Game (15 mins)
Zonal Movement Game
SSG with zones where players must interchange positions to receive. Encourages constant movement.
- Define zones on the pitch
- Must move into a different zone to receive
- Points for successful zone entries
Coach Prompts:
- “Are you moving with purpose?”
- “Can you see where the space is?”
- “When your teammate moves, what space opens up?”
4. Match-Related Play (15-20 mins)
4v4 Free Play
Open game focusing on movement quality. Coach observes off-ball movement patterns.
- No specific constraints
- Celebrate intelligent movement
- Note improvements in space creation
Key Coaching Points
Movement to Create Space:
- Move with purpose - every run should mean something
- Timing is crucial - too early or late negates the run
- Check away to come short, check short to go long
- Use teammates’ movements to find space
- Communicate with runs, not just voice
Types of Runs:
- Check to show
- Diagonal runs
- Overlaps and underlaps
- Third-man runs
- Decoy runs
- Curved runs to stay onside
Why This Structure Works
- Structured movement in warm-up
- Tactical patterns in contextual practice
- Applied movement in SSG
- Natural expression in match play
This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model