FID Play: Filling the Open Spaces
Position drill to improve spatial awareness and support for the central midfielder
Goal:
Equipment
- Markers
- 9 vests (6 of one color, 3 of another one)
- 6 mini-goals
- Balls
Preparation
- Playing Area: 55x40 meters / 60x44 yds
- Players: 15
- Duration: 24 minutes
- Series: 2 of 10 minutes each with 2 minutes of recovery after each set
Organization
Create a 55×40-meter/60×44-yard field and divide it into four 55×10-meter/60×11-yard zones. Place three mini-goals on both long sides of the field. Form two teams of six players and line them up in a 2-2-1-1 formation. Three neutral players also participate in the drill—one inside (central midfielder) and two outside.
Description
- The teams face off in a 6 v 6 situation plus three neutral players, who always play with the team in possession of the ball (two outside jokers and one inside joker who is free to move anywhere on the playing field)
- The aim of the team in possession is to score in one of the opponent’s three mini-goals
- The inside neutral player (central midfielder) aims to identify open spaces at various heights on the field, taking advantage of the positions of teammates and opponents
Rules
- Only one player per team may change zone
- The inside joker is free to move anywhere on the playing field
- A goal scored with the inside neutral player participating in the play counts as double
Coaching Points
- Help the central neutral player understand the game situations in their area by asking targeted questions, such as: “Where are the open spaces?” or “How can I take advantage of the fact that opponents are drawn to the ball?”
- Encourage the central neutral player to quickly read the movements of teammates and opponents in order to occupy the most advantageous spaces
Difficulty:
Category:
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