Youth Soccer and Spacing

As we all know spacing is so very important in soccer but one of the most difficult aspects of the game to teach to youth players. I personally feel it is never to early to at least start discussing the topic. For example, when I watch matches on TV with my kids we discuss spacing at every given chance. However, discussing and coaching are entirely different. We need to be realistic in that there is no way you will get 5 and 6 year old players to spread out consistently. I personally think a good age to start practicing spacing is at U8/U9, depending on the level of the players, but again it should be discussed at all ages to gain an understanding.

I have always discussed spacing in two aspects. An offensive player wants spacing and needs spacing to operate on the field. It is their job to create their space by moving away from opposing players when they do not have the ball, as well as move away from players on your team when they have the ball. Offensive moves practiced and used in games are done so to create additional space, where they can either shoot, pass or advance the ball.

Defensive players do not want to a large amount of space between them and the offensive players, so they are continuously trying to take away space from opposing players. In many cases they are even layering and backing each other up in the event an offensive player creates space on their own, they can then close that space to limit the damage.

This discussion combined with watching professional soccer matches will at least give a base concept to begin teaching space. I have always started teaching it on the practice field by putting players on a full field in their respective positions. Field only one team facing the other half of the field, which is empty of players (this works for all sizes fields and ages). I then take a ball and kick it to the other side of the field and ask the players to sprint to where they feel they should be on the field with respect to where the ball is being played. This also will help teach your philosophy on positioning. By doing the "shadow" drill over the entire field, back and forth, while correcting and explaining why the positioning and spacing is important; it will tie your above discussion together with the physical part of the game. I like to try to implement a triangle on the field, so midfielders should be backing up offensive players for drop passes. By using this shadow technique the players will begin to understand the importance of spacing. You can do the same to discuss weak side spacing on crosses so a player does not get sucked into the middle, or how mid fielders can advance to a scoring position. Again, incorporate you philosophy and positioning.

Once you feel they have a base understanding it is time to scrimmage and apply spacing in a game situation. You should play with them, showing them how to move with and without the ball. I also recommended yelling out "Freeze" so the players stop and you can reinforce position and spacing. Always explain why it is important.

A couple of tips I have also used along the way to help teach players to not crowd their own team-mates when they have the ball is to explain to them that is good to be aggressive, but when your team has the ball you should really be running away from them to open up a passing lane and create space for him and yourself. The player with the ball should then start to look for the pass when his space closes on him. Defensive players should be shown how to close the space without diving in, as well marking players in space.

I hope this helps. If you have feedback for me or want to let me know how it worked for you then please email me at admin@learnsoccerdrills.com.

Mark
www.learnsoccerdrills.com