Graham Thompson
| Name: | Graham Thompson |
|---|---|
| City: | Mission |
| Country: | Canada |
| Membership: | Adult Member |
| Sport: | Football/Soccer |
Theme: Creating Space in Midfield
Principles: (1) dispersal (2) support (3) movement
Key Points
(1) scan - look away from the ball to know where space, teammates, opposition, the ball is
(2) quality of pass - pass it to the correct foot to set-up teammates next action, weighted appropriately
(3) cue for movement - when to move to create space for teammate to pass the ball, not to early so that a defender can close the player down before the pass if made
Key Words/Phrase
(1) shape - move into positions based on your position on the field, the oppositions positioning and where the ball is
(2) diagonal pocket - player find a diagonal pocket of space to receive the ball on the half turn and play a forward or dribble, particularly a central pocket when a teammate CB in possession of the ball
(3) rotate - encourage the CM players to find opportunities to rotate to encourage more movement
(4) bounce - when a player receives the ball under pressure and cannot turn they should bounce the ball backwards (to where the ball came from or a new teammate) and this player should be facing forward and able to pass forward
(5) open - change body shape to be open to the field of play, can you see three corner flags and the ball
Guided Questions
(1) where can we find a diagonal pocket?
(2) how close do we need to support?
(3) can we position ourselves to receive and break lines?
(4) who can rotate?
(5) what should we do if we receive with no pressure?
Learning Outcomes
(1) find diagonal pocket - player find a diagonal pocket of space to receive the ball on the half turn and play a forward or dribble, particularly a central pocket when a teammate CB in possession of the ball
(2) MF rotation - as teammate defenders switch the ball (move the ball around the back four) can our MF players interchange roles to create space to receive a forward pass, this is used when we are having difficulties progressing forward
(3) FB/MF/WF rotation - can a MF player move into a wide players position to rotate positions and create space, confusion for opposition
(4) cues for movement - moving at the correct time, not to early because the defender will be able to close the receiving player down and not to late because the defender will be able to close the distributing player down
(5) how defenders support the MF in possession - drop off or move up based on opposition players, always need options to receive without being pressured and able to switch the ball side to side
(6) to create space under pressure - manipulate the ball away from opposition or push off opposition / 1v1 skills
(7) what to do if ball is lost playing into MF - immediately press when the ball is lost in MF to prevent the opposition from securing position, counter attacking or establishing their attacking organization

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
Organization
Groups of two. Two groups in the middle and one on the outside. Each group in the middle has their own ball. With their ball can the group progress from one end to the opposite end while completing the challenges the coach provides. The end with two targets represents to CB. The end with one target represents one CF / STK.
Objective
Movement to create space to receive and pass forward
Challenges for groups (60-90 seconds each)
(1) can you fill 3 of the 4 boxes at all times? - ensure the midfield three spread out and create triangles, also have straight lines between teammates
(2) can you combine with a midfielder before playing into the striker?
(3) can you rotate to receive the ball in different areas of the grid? - avoid taking away passing angles of your group or the target players
(4) can you empty a box for a team mate to fill?
(5) can you receive the ball in a position to play forwards?

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
Organization: Green play from CB (low players outside of the grid) through MF (two players in the grid) to the CF / STK (high player outside the grid). In possession team can score in goals (goals represent WF) after forward gets a touch on the ball. Defenders can win the ball and score on the goal. CB and CF stay outside the playing area and cannot be tackled.
Objective: Movement to create space to receive and pass forward
Progression: (1) add one or two more defenders players based on the shape the opposed are representing
(2) add a GK to the in possession team and a CF / STK for the defending team

See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
Organization: 8v8. 1-2-4-1. Full game rules. Offside line.
Objective: Movement to create space to receive and pass forward
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Animation Controls (PCs, Macs, Laptops):
Play animation
Play step-by-step
Repeat (toggle)
Full Screen
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Back/Forward: Drag timeline button
Rondo (15 mins)
Organization: 3v1 rondo. After completing 5 passes can the rondo move to the opposite side of the field. When five passes are complete and players connect a pass to the opposite player. When the ball is traveling to the player can players support and recreate the 3v1.
Objective: Players move to create space to receive a pass or players receive under pressure
Regression: Add a second in possession player in the opposite space (2v1) to create more passing options