Off the Ball Movement: How to Scan, Create Space and Help Your Teammates
Your teammate has the ball. How can your movement help?
Young footballers naturally want to move towards the action. But gathering around the ball can crowd the space your teammate needs.
You can influence the game without touching the ball, just by having a good off the ball movement. Here are three habits to practice:
Scan while your teammate has possession.
Look around before the pass comes. Where is the available space? Where are the defenders? Can you move into a position where your teammate can find you? Keep checking as the picture changes.
Move to create space and choices.
A well-timed run gives the player with the ball another option. If a defender follows you, your movement may open space for your teammate to dribble into. If the defender stays, you may become available for a pass.
Your teammate can pass to you—or use your run as a decoy and carry the ball into the space you helped create. Both can help the team.
Pass, then find your next supporting position.
After passing, scan again. Change your angle, offer a return pass or make a run that creates room. Defenders then have to keep adjusting: follow the runner, protect the space or challenge the ball?
Useful movement gives them decisions to make. It doesn’t mean running constantly; timing and direction matter.
At your next session, celebrate the run that creates space—even when the runner never receives the ball.
Coaches, how do you help young players recognise when to offer a passing option and when to create space for someone else?
Prepared by Coach Mike
Comments