As A Team - Creating Space

Note: This section includes a video analysis showing professional players creating space as a team (0:24 duration).

Making Space on the Pitch as a Team

Width: Spread players across the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create gaps in their defensive structure.
Depth: Maintain players at different heights on the pitch (closer to and further from the goal) to open up passing options and penetrate defensive lines.
Movement and Rotation: Use coordinated off-the-ball runs and positional rotations to confuse defenders and disrupt their shape.
Switching Play: Move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other to exploit open spaces.
Triangles and Diamonds: Use these shapes to maintain passing options and facilitate quick ball movement.
Third-Man Runs: Involve a third player in combinations to bypass defenders and exploit space.

Utilise the Full Pitch: Encourage players to spread out and use every available area to stretch the opposition’s defence.
Coordinate Movements: Players should time their runs and movements in unison to maximise space creation and passing options.
Play Through the Lines: Aim to pass between opposition lines (defensive and midfield) to break their structure.
Decoy Runs: Use players to make runs that pull defenders away from critical spaces, creating opportunities for others.
Quick Ball Circulation: Move the ball quickly with short, sharp passes to force defenders to shift and open gaps.
Overloads: Create numerical superiority in specific areas of the pitch (e.g., a 3v2 on the wing) to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Patience: Teach players to be patient in possession, waiting for the right moment to exploit gaps or weaknesses in the opposition.
Communication: Ensure constant verbal and non-verbal communication to coordinate movements and maintain team shape.

Lack of Width or Depth: Overcrowding central areas makes it easier for defenders to win the ball.
Static Play: Failing to move off the ball reduces passing options and makes play predictable.
Rushed Play: Forcing passes when under pressure instead of recycling possession can lead to turnovers.
Ignoring Defensive Balance: Overcommitting players forward can leave the team vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Overloading One Area Without Exploiting Another: Focusing too much on one zone without switching play limits effectiveness.

Width and Depth Game: Play small-sided games (e.g., 7v7) where teams score points by maintaining width and depth before creating a scoring opportunity.
Overload to Isolate Drill: Set up a 4v3 in one half of the pitch, with a condition that players must switch to the opposite side before attempting to score.
Third-Man Run Drill: Create scenarios where the ball must go through a third player before reaching the target zone, encouraging off-the-ball movement and coordinated play.
Triangle Passing with Movement: Focus on creating and maintaining triangles while players must rotate positions after each pass.
Switching Play Drill: Play a 6v6 game with wide neutral players who can only be used to switch the play, encouraging teams to look for space on both sides.

In Possession: Teams should use coordinated runs, positional interchanges, and quick passing to create overloads or disrupt defensive lines.
During Transitions: Quickly spread out and move into space as a unit to stretch the opposition during counter-attacks.
Defensive Balance While Creating Space: Ensure a few players remain in defensive positions to prevent vulnerability to counter-attacks.
Positional Awareness: Encourage players to recognise when to stay wide, drop deeper, or push forward to maintain team shape and balance.

Encourage players to trust their teammates to occupy the right positions and create space collectively.
Build composure under pressure to maintain possession and avoid rushing into tight areas.