Coaching Points

1. Principle of play – Create space as a team. Spread wide and long to create space on and off the ball.
2. Horizontal movement to inside. Player in wide area should move towards the centre of the pitch in order to create space wide.
3. Horizontal movement to outside. Player positioned centrally should move towards free space in wide areas to receive the ball. Make sure the movement is quick and curved (player should see the ball and face opponent).
4. Creating 1v1 situations by isolating players in wide areas. Most of the attacking players should be positioned centrally in order to unbalance defending team and create dangerous situation in wide areas.
5. Creating overload situations. When the ball is wide midfield player should support player in possession by quick movement towards the ball. Prerequisite for that is to drag nearest central defender off the ball.
6. Switching play. Transfer the ball from one side to another quickly in order to create 1v1 situation on the wing.
7. Communication. Players should observe where their partners are and communicate both verbally and non-verbally. Introduce verbal triggers to different patterns of play (switching play/creating 1v1 or 2v1 situations etc.)
8. End product. Take opportunity to cross or shoot. Exploit 1v1 and 2v1 situations when possible.

Diagram 2. Create Space as a Team

• All players should use available space by spreading long and wide.

Diagram 3. Creating 1vs1 Situations

• Creating 1v1 situations by isolating players in wide areas. When the ball is in the central zone of the pitch, players number 7 (right midfielder), 10 and 9 position themselves in front of the penalty area, dragging opposition central defenders and left full back. This forces 1v1 situation (left midfielder and opposition right full back) in wide area.

Diagram 4. Switching Play

• Switching play. When the football is in wide area and opposite midfielder is in more advantageous situation, attack can be switched to the other side. Long (the football should be played low above the ground to make it quicker) pass should be made as soon as possible giving more time and space to receive.

Diagram 5. Horizontal Movement to Inside

• Player positioned in wide area should make a movement towards the central area of the pitch in order to create space wide (dragging full back). Ideal situation is when the space can be exploited immediately by player running into it and receiving.

Diagram 6. Horizontal Movement to the Outside

• When Player positioned centrally should make a movement towards free space in wide area of the pitch. Movement should be quick and unpredictable. Player should face the opponent and see the ball (curved run). Outside Backs with Outside and Inside Movements.

Diagram 7. Creating Overload Situations

• When the player in wide area is in possession of the football possible option is to create 2v1 situation. In order to do that, opposition central defender should be dragged off the football (in this situation by central striker) and immediate support should be given around the football. This will create overload situation and enable quick combination play.