Game without Ball

The Decisive Phase in a Football Game

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics take center stage:

  1. ⚽Game without Ball

  2. 👉 2 New Exercises!

  3. ❓Survey Game Analysis - Tuesday

⚽Game without Ball

In the world of Football, people often talk about the importance of controlling the ball, passing, and tactics. But one key thing that many don't pay attention to is moving without the ball. These actions might not be flashy, but they really matter on the field and can determine whether a team succeeds or fails. Let's see why moving without the ball is so important and how it helps players find space and time during the game.

The Key Role of ,,Off-the-Ball Movement”

In modern soccer, it's not just about controlling the ball but also about controlling space. Off-the-ball movements are crucial for opening up space, confusing the defense, and creating scoring opportunities. When players move intelligently, they draw opponents out of position, create gaps in the defense, and provide their teammates with options for successful passes.

When you play a match, it is statistically proven that players actually have the ball 3 minutes on average … So, the most important thing is: what do you do during those 87 minutes when you do not have the ball. That is what determines wether you’re a good player or not

Johan Cruyff

Creating Space and Time

Off-the-ball movements aim to gain space and create the necessary time for a successful action. When a player cleverly runs into open space or frees themselves from the defense, they generate precious fractions of a second that can be crucial for a successful attack. This ability to find space is invaluable in both offensive and defensive scenarios on the field.

Types of ,,Off-the-Ball Movements”

There are different types of off-the-ball movements that players can utilize:

Deep Runs: By penetrating into the space behind the defense, players can create goal-scoring opportunities and stretch the defense.

Diagonal Runs: Players can move diagonally to receive the ball or to create space for their teammates.

Offer and Withdraw: Players can open up space and draw opponents out of position by offering themselves to receive the ball and then quickly withdrawing.

Feinting Runs: Players can confuse the defense and create additional space for themselves or their teammates by skillfully feinting runs in different directions.

Crossing and Overlapping: Players can cross paths or overlap to confuse the defense and create space for their teammates.

Training and Tactics

The importance of off-the-ball movement should not be underestimated in training and tactical development. Through targeted exercises, players can learn how to move effectively and how to best utilize space, ultimately enhancing their team's efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, the importance of off-the-ball movement in football is crucial for a team's success. This often overlooked component can enhance the effectiveness of an attack by creating space, buying time, and putting the defense in difficult situations. Through deliberate off-the-ball movements, players can elevate their skills to a higher level and provide their team with a genuine competitive advantage.

👉2 New Exercises!

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Survey Game Analysis - Tuesday

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