One thing that I love about futbol is every game is different… With 22 players on the field [depending on age] sharing one ball, the movement off the ball is so important.
Moving defenders with movements, dribbling and passing is vital if you want to get more possession and score more goals.
Moving off the ball
Checking to and away, stretching the field, getting wide are all ways to get your opponents out of position.
Getting the center back in wide positions
One of the best things you can do is get one of the center backs out wide…
- To do this you first need to get the outside back to step up and wide to mark the outside mid.
- Then if the forward can make a run in behind the outside back the center back will have to follow.
Once you get the CB out of the middle cross the ball.
One of the main attributes most CB’s have is winning balls out of the air… With a CB out wide you have a better chance to score.
Good movements in the attack will confuse and stress out defenders. Watch the video below to learn more.
Getting the center back to step high
Another way to get the CB out of position is having them follow the forward who’s checking to the ball near the attacking third.
When the forward receives the ball they can one touch it backwards to a player who can then play a ball into a window to a player running from a wide position to the middle.
Tips for wingers
Off the ball movements are key…
2 things to always remember:
- Getting wide, with no rush going forward… Sometimes it’s getting wide and coming back towards your own goal, so that you get away from the opposing defenders.
- Making vertical runs to get through balls played in behind the defense.
When getting wide, the focus is to possess the ball…
Once you get the ball there are many options:
- Pass down the line to the striker
- Dribble
- Pass to the middle
- Play a long diagonal ball over the defenders
- Pass the ball backwards
Moving defenders by dribbling
Dribbling a certain direction, all while knowing you’re going to cut it back and play the opposite way.
The whole time doing it for the purpose to move defenders.
Other situations could be where you are keeping/dribbling the ball longer for the purpose of opening up different options.
Using your eyes to move your opponents
Another thing you can do is use your eyes to look the way you really don’t want to go…
Could be when you’re dribbling or while you’re stationary with the ball.
The longer you take the more you can move the defenders, so don’t think a quick look and then turn is going to do anything.
Play with purposeful intelligence.
Passing into different zones
Passing the ball wide and changing the field is going to spread everything out.
When things get congested in the middle, 9 out of 10 times you need to get the ball wide…
Not only does getting it wide open up space in the middle, it allows for 1 on 1 situations on the opposite side – if someone can hit a big switch (longball across).
2 ways to get the ball wide:
- Your teammates (outside mids and backs) need to get in a wide position before you pass.
- If your players are not already wide, you can pass it softly into that space and let them run onto it.
When you pass the ball wide it moves defenders to go out and pressure the ball…
What this does is make more space and a better numerical advantage in the middle.
“Be a student of the game.”
Watching pro games
Of the players I train, the ones who watch games on TV have better understanding and IQ!
Not to mention the players who watch games on TV also watch highlights. Therefore, getting double knowledge.
The more you watch the better you will play.
When watching matches on TV don’t just watch the ball… Spend time learning what players in different positions are doing off the ball.
Just the other day I was watching an international match with my 11 year old daughter… All of a sudden she said “Dad, look at #8, he’s constantly checking to and away. He really wants the ball.” It was a cool moment to see her recognize the off the ball movements.
Good video showing forwards movements
“Study the professionals that play the same position as you.”
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