The following article looks at teaching foundation phase players off the ball movement. U8 players learn to move in activities where they see most of the ball, U10 players learn movement through small group activities and U12 players learn to move to create space for themselves and team mates
“In most scenarios, it isn’t the person on the ball who decides where the ball goes, but players without the ball. Their running actions determine the next pass.” – Johan Cryuff
We’ve all had it when players stand still waiting for a pass to come, as opposed to making a clever run or stepping into the most appropriate space to receive.
Teaching players how to move off the ball is a skill that coaches must encourage from U8, albeit in a different manner to how it would be done at U12.
As the quote above suggests, if we have coached our players how to be aware then the movement of players off the ball will determine where the ball goes next.
Movement at U8
Technical
As young as U8, players should be working on core skills such as ball striking, turning, ball control and passing & receiving. When passing to someone, movement is required to create an appropriate passing lane.
Tactical
Players learn 2 player combinations such as a 1-2/wall pass, an overlap, a diagonal run for a straight through ball and a straight run for a diagonal through ball. Movement to trigger the passing decision is required.
Physical
Tag activities to start training offer a good way for players to help learn when to run and when to wait. Bulldog or other directional tag games support this even more.
Link timing runs to changing speed with the ball to unbalance the defender.
Psycho-Social
My friend and I. U8’s often have 1 best friend in their social situations.
In football this also true, meaning 2v1/2v2 activities should form the basis of group activities.
Players are more likely to pass if they feel they will get the ball back. Less players on the field also means more space in which to run.
Movement Coaching Points
Pass one way, run the other
Use visual communication – point where you want the ball
Run before the pass
Forward run if space is in front, overlap if space is behind. Use the halves of the field as a reference point
Player on the ball to observe how the defender reacts
Why It Works
The inside players get plenty of touches of the ball.
Players must decide when to keep the ball close and when to have a heavier touch to beat the opponent.
Using the outside players allows them opportunities to make quick runs off the ball to get goal side of their opponent.
Players are happy to pass knowing that they will be getting the ball back.
Movement at U10
Technical
At this age players are becoming more comfortable with their technical skills. Advance them further in terms of taking their first touch with intent, using different parts of both feet to both control and strike the ball.
This increase in technical skills allows for varying distances of movement with players more capable of playing a variety of passes.
Tactical
Players are to start considering making runs to create space for others as well as themselves. This can be through opening space for the player on the ball or for someone else to run into.
Physical
Female players at U10 are starting to develop physically ahead of their male counterparts. Consider implementing a specific warm up that includes dynamic movements, jumping & landing and changes of direction and speed.
Players have a better understanding of how to manage their speed at different levels.
Psycho-Social
Small groups start forming at U10. Practices that include 3/4 player groups and small sided games support this social shift.
At U10 players start to become more competitive and want team mates that play the same way. Consider this when putting groups together.
Movement Coaching Points
Open body shape to see the playing area
Switch sides to drag defenders out of position
Run into space at speed
Pass where the runner is moving to, not where they are standing
Use visual communication to show where you want the ball
Why it Works
The back and forth nature of the practice means players get plenty of repetition to work the technique of receiving the pass.The visual aid of the squares gives them clear spaces to move into.
The player on the ball always has 3 supporting options with the 4 v 2 overload when in possession. Acceleration, deceleration and changes of direction are all needed.
Movement at U12
Technical
Accuracy and particularly weight of pass is vital to the development of U12 players, with all parts of the foot. Additionally, players will be more confident using their body shape as a way to disguise their passing intention.
Tactical
Introducing the concept of 3rd player running allows players to further develop their understanding of creating and exploiting space.
Visual triggers such as looking at opponents’ heads to time runs in behind should be brought in.
Physical
Players should start to become comfortable using their heads and chests to control the ball, due to the increase in growth and strength they are experiencing.
Children at this age can cover more distance quickly, allowing additional space to exploit an offside line & encourage recovery running should be considered in session planning.
Psycho-Social
Players are more comfortable socialising in larger groups. Coaching how units work together can be used in training.
Competitveness is high at this age, with some children already starting puberty. Use this in your planning as a eay of helping players control their emotions win or lose.
Movement Coaching Points
Players to scan the field to see the square to move into
Open body to see as much space as possible
Double movement when receiving
Move after pass and when looking to receive
Units must work together to cover gaps and penetrate the opposition
Why It Works
The size of the squares requires accurate and correctly weighted passes to achieve success.
By leaving a square after passing/before receiving, players open up space for a team mate to occupy.
A long pass for a forward run or switch of play encourages aerial control.
Leaving a space for another to occupy or exploit with a forward run brings in the concept of the the 3rd player movement.
Units must work together to occupy the appropriate spaces for attacking penetration and defensive security.