As an Individual - Creating Space

Making Space on the Pitch as an Individual

Awareness: Understand your surroundings, including the position of teammates, opponents, and open spaces.
Timing: Move into space at the right moment to create separation from defenders.
Body Positioning: Keep your body open to the play, allowing you to receive the ball and make decisions quickly.
Movement: Use dynamic, purposeful runs to draw defenders and create space for yourself or teammates.
Disguise: Use deceptive movements to mislead defenders and open up space.

Scan the Pitch: Regularly check your surroundings before receiving the ball to identify opportunities for space.
Change of Pace: Accelerate or decelerate suddenly to lose your marker and exploit open areas.
Use Feints and Fakes: Pretend to move in one direction before quickly switching to another to unbalance your defender.
Position Between Lines: Find pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines to receive the ball under less pressure.
Diagonal Runs: Make angled runs to disrupt the defensive line and create passing options for teammates.
Double Movements: Use one movement to draw the defender away before making a second, decisive move into space.
Stay on the Move: Avoid being static; constantly adjust your position to remain an option for teammates.
Shield the Ball in Tight Spaces: Use your body effectively to protect the ball and buy time to turn or pass.
Use the Width of the Pitch: Stretch the defence by positioning yourself wide, especially in attacking phases.

Staying Static: Standing still makes it easier for defenders to mark you.
Ignoring Defensive Awareness: Overcommitting to space without considering the defender’s position can lead to losing possession.
Poor Timing: Moving into space too early or too late reduces your effectiveness as a passing option.
Not Communicating: Failing to signal your intention can lead to missed opportunities from teammates.

Shadow Movement Drill: Pair players with a defender and practice losing the marker using feints, double movements, and changes of pace.
Positional Awareness Game: Set up small-sided games where players must find and exploit open spaces to receive the ball.
Rondo Variations: Focus on moving into space after passing, ensuring players understand how to create options in tight areas.
Overload Game (5v4 or 6v5): Simulate scenarios where players must move off the ball to create space for themselves and teammates.

Midfielders: Focus on finding space between lines to receive and distribute the ball.
Forwards: Work on pulling defenders out of position with diagonal runs and positioning near goal-scoring zones.
Defenders: Learn to create space when building out from the back by moving wide or dropping deeper.