Dividing Up the Space

Focus

Attacking Systems.

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

Teams need to be acutely aware of court balance. It's no good having everyone swarming around the ball on one side of the court, occupying space that should remain vacant for players to lead into.

Players

10⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Form 2 even teams, assign attackers and defenders.
Step 1
Before starting this drill, it's a good idea to study the principles of passing lanes and three option attack
Step 2
This drill can be run from various starting points, but we'll demonstrate two of them. The first place to start is from the opposition baseline, simulating a rebound or throw-in from cone (1).

Look at the good and bad examples of dividing up the space on the diagram.
Step 3
Simulate a game situation, with a throw-in by the [GK]. To demonstrate bad court balance, start by having all attackers on the same side of the court as [GK].

Watch the action unfold, then stop and discuss the problems encountered by having too many people around the passer
Step 4
If you haven't got a three option attack strategy, it's a good idea to develop one.

Players should have specific areas of the court designated for them to lead into, and others to stay out of.

Don't for the trap of dropping into another players space just because it's free

Leads will be complimentary, meaning the second and third leads will use space vacated by other players.
Step 5
Dividing up the space will see players spread out over the court more, ensuring defenders can't crowd an area.

If a player does lead into another teammate's space, they must quickly clear out, or the player who the space is designated for must make a complimentary lead.
Step 6
Repeat several times until players become familiar with the team pattern.
Step 7
Progress by starting with a penalty pass at (2) between the centre circle and wing.

Again, you should develop a three option strategy and adopt the same principles as before.