Create more space for your speedy wingers

Some wingers can sidestep an opponent in a telephone box. Cheslin Kolbe is a great example. The Springbok try machine can be classed as a “quick” winger, a player who does not need much space to reach top speed. Other wingers, like Tommy Freeman or Louis Rees-Zammit are “fast”. They have great speed over longer distances. In the women’s game, England winger Millie David cleary has "serious gas".

Whatever type of speed your fastest player has, they will always want space. This gives them a chance to accelerate away. And if they do have to beat the fullback, they can use their pace, perhaps with a swerve or step.

The real fix

To create space in defences, we need to concentrate defenders in one part of the field. This either happens by design or accident. By design, we attack one part of the defence with strength, forcing defenders in. By accident is when we turn over the ball and the opposition is not organised to cover.

When we have created the space, we need to preserve it. This means “fixing” defenders so they do not drift across to fill gaps.

The real fix comes from a subtle combination of quick passing, running straight and holding depth.

Use Sean Holley’s switch activity to work on fixing defenders and making the most of disorganised defences when you get a turnover ball.

And then try Mark Calverley’s 4v3 activity to finish off by scoring.

Call the space

Your wingers also need to call for the ball when they see the right space. Do you have a call which lets the players know that there’s a chance to release the winger, and the ball needs to get wide soon?