Martin Gaffney is currently the U14 coach for Carlisle United of English League Two. As an Academy staff coach he is responsible for the overall development of future professional players at the club. Gaffney is a former semi-professional player with both Bury Football Club and Workington A.F.C. He was awarded a Masters Degree in education from the University of Wales (Bangor) and currently holds a UEFA ‘A’ Coaching License – he is also working towards his Module 3 Youth Award.  Martin shared the following session that he performed with his U14 squad in November 2015.

‘Create & Exploit Space’


The main element within the session is recognising when to play passes into the runs made by more advanced (forward) players.
 All the players will be given the opportunity to practice their movements, initially without opposition but then with passive / active defenders to introduce realism.

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Movements To Receive

1.

Set up:

All players positioned in the designated area as shown.

Instructions:

WARMUP ACTIVITY:

1. Players perform a wide range of movements – jogging, shuffling, etc. to gradually prepare the body.
2. Players are asked to use movements to create space for themselves – feints, cuts, change-of-direction
3. Players are paired up – one partner acts as a ‘catcher’ – the other partner must avoid being tagged; change roles after being tagged
4. Designate 1 player as ‘catcher’ – all other players must avoid the catcher; several balls are circulated with the hands – if you have a ball, you cannot be tagged.

Total: 10 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Gradually prepare the body for the session
• Learning Objectives:
• Movements to create space
• Use of disguise
• Use of acceleration / deceleration
• Balance and agility to avoid opponents

2.

Set up:

Players organised in the corners of the grid as shown; 2 players start the activity in the center of the grid.

Instructions:

PASSING SEQUENCE:

Player (A) passes to (B) who sets up (C) for a longer pass to (D). Players (D), (E) + (F) then repeat the sequence. Rotation – players A-B-C rotate with each other; D-E-F rotate with each other.

*Can introduce 2 balls depending on ability.

Progressions:

1. Aim for 1-touch play
2. Allow B/E to lay-off to either corner player
3. Introduce opponent / defender in the central area – team in possession use free play to transfer the ball to opposite side of the grid.

*Increase to 2 Defenders depending on ability

Coaching Points:

• Decision-making: to use 1 or 2 touch play
• Movements to create space + angles
• Use of disguise
• Variation in passes: lofted, chipped, short, driven
• Receiving: control with body behind the ball

3.

Set up:

Players organised in working pairs as shown. Mini-goals are utilised.

Instructions:

INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENTS TO CREATE SPACE:

Players rehearse various movements –

Group A: Target player (Red) moves towards Passes (Black) and exchanges passes; the Target player now accelerates at an angle to receive the return pass on the side – player must score with next touch.

Group B: Target player comes short but does not receive an initial pass; he immediately changes direction to receive the through-ball on the side – Player must attempt to score with next touch.

Group C: Target player goes long before coming short to receive the pass in a half-turned position – player must control in front and attempt to score with 2nd touch.

*Alternate working players

Total time: 15 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Movements should be quick but late
• Use of disguise
• Weight and pace of pass
• Communication (verbal / non-verbal) with passer

4.

Set up:

Players organised in groups of 3 / 4. Mini-goals are utilised.

Instructions:

WORKING IN PAIRS – MOVEMENTS TO CREATE SPACE:

Players rehearse various movements –

Group A: Target players (Red) time their movement to come short to receive long – the passer must deliver the ball into space on the side of the attacking player; player must attempt to score with 1st touch.

Group B: The first Target player moves short to simulate receiving a pass; the Target player dummies the pass and spins to receive the through-ball from the 2nd Target player.

*Alternate working in pairs

Total time: 15 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Movements should be quick but late
• Timing / angles of runs
• Use of disguise
• Weight and pace of pass
• Communication (verbal / non-verbal) with passer + partner

5.

Set up:

A 7v7 is organised as follows: 5v5 in central area, 1 Striker in each endzone, Goalkeepers in each goal.

*May be increased to 8v8 / 9v9 depending on available numbers.

Instructions:

EMPHASIS ON MOVEMENTS TO CREATE SPACE / OPPORTUNITIES TO SCORE:

Initially both teams have a ball – they circulate the ball until opportunity arises to play forward to their advanced / attacking player for a shot on goal.

Progressions:

1. Add a second Striker in the end zone – Strikers now working in pairs
2. Only 1 ball; now in a game format – 2 Strikers against 1 Defender in endzone
3. Allow midfield runner to also penetrate the endzone
4. Remove all restrictions – normal 7v7 or 8v8 game

Total time: 30-40 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Timing and angles of Attackers movements
• User of disguise
• Weight, angle, direction of passes
• Timing of runs by working pairs
• Communication amongst all players (verbal / non-verbal)