Space and Movement
Sometimes from the sideline you suddenly see where a ball or player should have gone. Chances are when you get that feeling you saw a player that was open. Now you can see why the coach is always yelling things like ‘get open’ and ‘move into space’. Understanding the basics of space and movement and looking for it in a game will take you several steps closer to being a soccer whiz.
Not to be too philosophical but, understanding that most of the game has nothing to do with the ball is really important. Movement of the players without the ball forms the foundation of teamwork. If players without the ball don’t move into space to receive passes, it’s very difficult for the team to keep possession. They end up playing ‘kick and run’ soccer.
Getting Open
How well a team passes the ball depends on how the players get open. Players without the ball must move into spaces between, behind or in front of their opponents to receive the ball.
Off Ball Runs
When a player makes a fast vertical or diagonal run without the ball it is called an off ball run. The player is trying to beat the other teams defense with speed and timing. If they receive the ball they are moving so fast it’s hard for the other teams defense to catch them.
If several players make vertical or diagonal runs at the same time, the other team doesn’t know where the ball is going to go.
