Turning into space

WHY USE IT

Puts players into situations that encourage them to protect the ball, turn to escape defenders and make their way into space.

SET UP

Set up an area relative to the size of your group with a goal at each end.

HOW TO PLAY

Teams play in threes - each team has a goalkeeper, an outfielder who starts on the pitch and an outfielder who starts off it. One player starts facing their own goal, with their opposing player on their back. A coach plays the ball into the attacking player.

Once they have received the ball, their team-mate enters the field to join them. They then work in a 2v1 against the defender. This encourages lots of time on the ball and lots of opportunities for turns.

If the defender wins it back, their team-mate joins them and the game becomes a 2v2. To mix it up, alternate the team which starts and change the starting positions, the position of the coach passing the ball in and the positions of the players on the outside.

Coaching points

• How can you protect the ball when 1v1?
• What turns can you use to evade your marker?
• Where is the most appropriate space for you to turn into?