By Alex Trukan
Driving forwards with the ball is popular attacking option when the opposition is disorganised. This is because of the spaces left free and insufficiently covered. Options to drive forwards with the ball can be created though. One of the main ways to do it is by using movements off the ball to drag the opposition players away and create room for somebody else to use it. This can be especially useful when certain players are quick on the ball and have ability to drive forwards and beat players. It can be also effective in making sure strikers are used in key areas in the box and the ball gets delivered to them without the need of strikers coming towards the ball. This article will explore couple of movements to create space and use it by driving forwards with the ball.
As central midfielder gets on the ball in central areas, winger who’s starting position is inside, might start to make runs towards wide areas. This will take the opposition full back wider and potentially create gaps between him and centre back. Player on the ball will have more space in behind the first defender to drive into. Central striker should stay centrally and do not come towards the ball. This will ensure he can start to make forward runs beyond the back line when the ball gets closer to the penalty box.
In a similar situation, player in front of the ball might choose to go inside. This will encourage the player on the ball to go more into wide areas and exploit gaps arising between centre back and full back. Direction of the runs made by players in front of the ball will be mainly determined by available space. The aim might be to attack different spaces and occupy all the channels.
Below it can be seen how the space is created for player on the ball to drive forwards. All the four players occupy different channels opening up different options to make runs as well as winning 1v1 duels. Player on the ball will be looking to commit the centre back before releasing the ball.
Another type of movement is based on offering angle of support in a position between the opposition players, with space between units available. This will ensure the pass can beat the first defender and receiving player can turn and drive forwards into space between opposition midfield and defence. As soon as the player between units gets on the ball, two strikers would be looking to spin away and make forward runs beyond the back line.
Additional type of movement to create space for driving forwards might be an overlap/underlap run. As soon as the overlap is started, opposition players in front of the ball (usually full back/wide midfielder) will react to it and often make a body movement putting them out of balance. This can be exploited by a player on the ball who instead of making a pass, will drive forwards into opposite direction.
Technical detail of running with the ball forwards is important. First touch, to take the ball into space and allow acceleration. Scan for options as the ball is away from feet. Take big touches if the space is available. Use laces for more natural and quicker movement. Don’t slow down before touching the ball. Adjust to small touches if pressure is applied.
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
