Link to the Google Presentation
Session 2 Overview
Exploring Space
Playing with the head up to recognize and exploit space with confidence on the ball
- Solutions in Tight Spaces
- 10 minutes
- Roxborough Windows +
- 15 minutes
- 4 Gate Game
- 15 minutes
- Scrimmage
- 18 minutes
Finding Solutions in Tight Spaces
Size: 15 yds diameter
The coach calls on a player to demonstrate a way to turn that helps them change direction quickly. The coach names the move and has all players practice it while dribbling without running into other players.
Use this time to ensure every player understands the techniques demonstrated. If time allows, have each player demonstrate a way to turn so the entire group can try it.
Coaching Points
- Chop into the ball to keep it close when dribbling
- Keep head up
- Scan the field to know where there is space
- Turn into space when there is pressure
- Accelerate with a burst of speed after turning
3P INTERVENTIONS
Praise: Brilliant — you got out of pressure by turning into space!
Pose: Where is your space?
Perfect: The ideal: players are constantly scanning, always knowing where there is space.
Roxborough Windows +
Start with one-third of the players (3–4) in the middle of a 15yd diameter circle, each with a ball.
- Players in the middle pass to a player positioned on a cone
- After passing, they follow their pass and take the spot at the cone
- The receiving player dribbles into the middle, turns to change direction into space, and finds another player at a cone to pass to
- This cycle continues so players are constantly passing, moving, and turning.
If there are 10 players, try to keep about 5 balls circulating. One or two balls may start with players on cones who dribble into the middle to begin.
Coaching Points
- Chop into the ball to keep it close
- Keep head up
- Scan the field to know where there is space
- Turn into space when there is pressure
- Accelerate with a burst of speed after turning
- Don’t slow down—keep turning and dribbling until a teammate is found to pass to
- Encourage communication, especially from players on a cone—they should be calling for a pass to help guide teammates
- Receive the ball in motion, moving toward the pass
3P INTERVENTIONS
Praise: Brilliant — you got out of pressure by turning into space!
Pose: Where is your space?
Perfect: The ideal: players are constantly scanning, always knowing where there is space.
4 Gate Game
Size: 20×20 yds
Set up four gates, each 4–5 yards wide, at the corners of a 20×20 yard grid.
- Divide players into two teams
- Play 4v4 or 5v5
- Teams score by passing through a gate and having a teammate receive the pass or get the first touch
Players may score from either side of a gate. No out-of-bounds is needed.
Coaching Points
- Chop into the ball to keep it close when dribbling
- Player on the ball should be constantly moving and turning
- Keep head up
- Scan the field to know where there is space
- Turn into space when there is pressure
- Accelerate with a burst of speed after turning
- Communicate, help guide teammates
- Receive the ball in motion, moving toward the pass
- Attack open space quickly before it closes
3P INTERVENTIONS
Praise: Brilliant — you got out of pressure by turning into space!
Pose: Where is your space?
Perfect: The ideal: players are constantly scanning, always knowing where there is space.
Scrimmage 5v5
Work on:
- Throw-ins
- Building out of the back (use the halfway line as the build-out line)
- Positional relationships
Coaching Points:
- Create angles and passing lanes away from pressure
- Create triangles in possession
- Check in, move to the ball to receive
- Receive with the far foot
- Communicate constantly, share what you see
3P INTERVENTIONS:
Praise: Brilliant — you got out of pressure by turning into space!
Pose: Where is your space?
Perfect: The ideal: players are constantly scanning, always knowing where there is space.