Creating Space and Triangle Support
Coach: Renata Lawson
Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club
Role: Director of Coaching
Qualification: USSF “D” (United States)
Date: February 14, 2020
Duration: 1 hour
Age Group: U8–U18
Session Objective
Create a vision for team support by focusing on triangles.
Warm-Up: Sequence Passing (5 minutes)
Description
In a 30×30 yard grid, players work in groups of 3–4 and number off. Each group has one ball.
After passing the ball, players must run to touch one of the four corners, then check back in to receive the next pass. Players should go to a different corner after each pass.
Coaching Points
- Encourage players to move into space to receive the next pass
- As in games, players should speed up when in possession
- If the next receiver is not available, players should dribble at speed to create a passing lane
- Emphasize timing and weight of the next pass
Activity 1: Sequence Game (10 minutes)
Description
In the same 30×30 yard grid, two teams start with two balls each. Players number off on each team and must pass in order.
Allow teams one minute to pass without pressure before beginning the game. Once play starts, teams try to keep possession of their balls while also attempting to steal balls from the other team.
Play for 4–5 minutes. The team with the most balls at the end wins. Play two rounds.
Coaching Points
Players must be aware of:
- The player who passed to them
- The player they are passing to
- Defensive pressure
- Ball location
- Available space
Encourage players to constantly reshape into triangles to support teammates, receive passes, or win possession.
Activity 2: Minecraft (15 minutes)
Description
Divide a 30×40 yard grid in half. Each team defends their own half.
Place three upright cones on each side. If a cone is knocked over with the ball:
- The player who knocks it over may relocate the cone to their own half
The game ends when:
- One team has all cones on their side, or
- The team with the most cones at the end of time wins
Play with two balls to keep all players engaged.
Coaching Points
- Encourage constant communication to organize both attack and defense
- Players must be aware of each ball and ready to support or receive
- Identify space and opportunities to play away from pressure
- Use quick passes to exploit unguarded cones or outnumbered defenders
Activity 3: Scrimmage (15–20 minutes)
Description
Game.
Coaching Points
- Encourage constant scanning for support, pressure, and space
- Reinforce playing in triangles
- Keep the ball moving and play around pressure, not through it