Coaching Movement

This is probably one of the most difficult things to do in coaching and is one of the things that I have noticed is lacking in quite a few players.  Movement is the ability to create space for yourself or a teammate through body shape/positioning, runs and subtle moves.

It can take great amounts of effort and also very little, depending on the situation and the player.  As a coach I put movement high up on my list as a skill that must be introduced early on in a player’s career.  This can be easily added to any practice as an addition that will get players in good habits.

Think Small

Look at your session plan, where can you introduce a bit of movement so that you gain multiple outcomes?  It may be something as simple as receiving a pass, what can you ask them to do before they receive it.  Place a spot 1 yard in the opposite direction to where they are receiving from, ask them to visit the spot before they receive, this creates a small bit of opposite movement.  It may be small but it is a start and will help when you progress to much more complex stuff.  This can be done at any age, with understanding of why being introduced gradually as the player grows and learns about the game.

Think Big

If your session involves running, introduce obstacles to deter straight line running.  Straight line running is rare in attacking situations, introduce this early and explain its use as they become more comfortable and understand more.

Think Opposite

This is the most simple of moves; but often the most used and the most effective.  Encourage your players to do the opposite thing first; move one way then the other, this can be on a large or small scale. 

Think Deliberate

Set up sessions that encourage or deliberately ask for movement, give your session’s dual outcomes.  Turn your finishing drill into a movement and finishing drill, turn your possession game into a movement and possession game.