By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 45 x 38 yards (Channel Areas: 45 x 3)
Teams: 5 v 5 + 4
Time: 15 Minutes
Objectives
- To understand when and where to use the space for the underlap
- To use movement to clear space for the underlap of the full back
Execution
In order to perform the underlapping run, there must be space to do so. As often as possible aim for the ball to be played directly to the attacking neutral on one side. To create the space for the underlap, the widest player in the central area in the space must take a defender away with their run.
If the other team stays in this area because they want to stop the underlapping run then pass to the player who is now free, this should now make them think twice about staying in an area.
When there is space to do so, the neutral on the side with the ball sees the space infield and runs into it, this is what a full back may do in a game. Depending on what the defense does, they can either continue and shoot or draw a defender close to them and slide and attacker for a shooting chance.
Variations
If the 'full back' has the ball and there is space to come infield already, without anyone having to pull any defenders away, then run with the ball into the space.
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
