In open play we want our players to identify the gaps in the defence AND move the ball towards those gaps AND then go through the gaps. This session works on these simple ideas, which you know are not so easy to execute.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 5-7
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

• Are the players able to spot the undefended area?If the attackers are unable to spot the gap while running forward and passing, let the defenders get into position first. Then have a five second delay before the attack begins. This will give the attackers more time to spot the undefended gap.
• Do the players use a variety of methods to move the ball to the gap?With the defence putting pressure on, ask the attack how they could get the ball to the player with the space in front of him. Look for answers such as using a miss pass or a “screen pass” (a pass behind another player).

set-up

1. As the defence gets into position look for the gap.
2. Communicate where the gap is to your team mates.
3. Run towards the defence and pass the ball to the player with no defender in front of them.

What you get your players to do

Split your players into groups of three with a ball. Line them up opposite three wide “gates”, each with a number. Shout a gate number and the players run forward, passing the ball to the player in front of that gate. Develop the exercise by adding more players and gates.