One of the most important things to do in soccer is get the ball wide. Too often players all ages want to play directly down the middle. To play good futbol you need to have a mix of getting wide, passing back and going forward.
U19 CF Monterrey [Mex] vs Eintracht Frankfurt [Ger] ⬆️
Why getting the ball wide helps
Playing wide forces the opponents to bring at least 1 or 2 players out wide. This creates space in the middle and less defenders for your strikers to have to beat.
Once you pass the ball wide 1 or more of their defenders have to go out and put pressure on the ball. If not it’s easy to cross and eventually score.
It’s one thing to move your opponents outside players, but if you can get their center backs to come outside it’s a big advantage to you.
Central defenders are strong in the air. Therefore, if you can get them out of position and then cross the ball your chances of scoring are higher.
Passing to space vs feet
Pro players mostly pass to feet in the defensive half. Once into the attacking side, you’ll see a mix.
There’s also a difference of balls into space to create a 50/50.
It’s another thing to play nice balls in space that are an advantage to your teammate.
When professional teams do play into space it’s usually clever passes in and around the 18 yard box.
Top youth leagues struggle with this
Most of the top youth ECNL U15-16 teams will struggle to connect 5-8 passes in a row.
2 reasons they struggle:
- They don’t switch the field enough, especially through the center backs.
- Most high level teams don’t have a solid line-up. They might have 5-6 technical players, but then the rest panic or don’t have the quality to play under pressure.
To get the ball wide and then get service into the box or at least continue to possess is not easy. Again, it takes a full team to be able to play possession style.
Not all good teams [especially in youth] have to be possession teams. Although, even at the U12 age you will see them get the ball wide. After that you can see there’s a purpose to get the cross off vs playing back and switching play.
The very cream of the crop play good futbol… The U17-19 groups show noticeable difference, but the very top U12s can play.
Dallas Cup Super Group – Tigres vs Alajuenlense ⬆️
Depending on level of play
What is high level?
Most youth soccer isn’t as high a level as people think… A top tier league doesn’t guarantee high level.
It could be a top tier U16 league and you won’t see most teams connect 5 passes in a row very often.
Last Spring I went to watch Dallas Cup… A U14 Japanese club played a team from Chicago… The team from Japan would consistently make 7-10 passes in a row, mostly 5-7 yard passes. They would have several opportunities to cross, but instead would pass back and switch the field.
↑ Higher level vs lower ↓
Then I watched a U16 ECNL boys game and rarely did I see 5 passes in a row… It was 2-3 passes and lose the ball.
If teams can’t possess – 2 things to consider:
- When the ball is wide, find ways to get crosses in while your opponents are spread out.
- Work on possession when winning games by 2-3 goals. Focus on development over winning.
If the level is high be patient
When your team can make 7-10 passes in a row on the regular you’re playing real futbol…
With the ability to connect passes, you need to know all the options in all 3 thirds of the field.
Split the field in thirds:
- Defensive
- Middle
- Attacking
In the defensive third it’s a must to get the ball wide often. Once that happens players can either play to the DCM, pass or dribble down the line.
The middle third allows for the least amount of pressure… The reason why is because you can always pass back to your defenders who are usually not under pressure in this area. Your other option is to find the mids or the corner zones in behind the fullbacks.
Last, is the attacking third which for teams to possess the ball here is next level [pro or very good youth]. Most teams at any age look to cross or shoot in these zones. The challenge in these areas is you’re out numbered, IF in possession.
Counter attacks are different because there is tons of space behind the defenders and the opponents don’t have the numbers back that they would if you were getting the ball wide in possession.
On the contrary, lower level teams focus is get the ball out of the back and go to goal.
Winger options once the ball is wide
One option is to take the defender on, beating them to the left or right.
Second, find the striker into feet or space.
Third, cut the ball back and find the CM or backs.
Players who are fast are a threat to the opposing teams… Nobody wants to defend fast players. The best players in these positions are so because they deliver. Whether that be from scoring goals are getting crosses and assists.
Playing wide with a purpose is what needs to be understood from teams. Teammates need to know how to support and move off the ball for each player.
Example of wingers: Jack Grealish vs Jeremy Doku Two very different players. Greelish likes to cut the ball back, while Docu take players on more.
↘️ Highlights of fantastic wingers.
One thing the best wingers have in common is they go at speed.
Foden, Rafael Leao, Salah, Vinnie Jr would be scary to defend because they have amazing quickness with the ball.
Try to watch highlights and games to see how players with different qualities play. Some aren’t as fast, so they play with a different style.
Keep practicing my ball control courses and wall training.
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