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Tactical

Off-the-Ball Movement

Learn to create space and opportunities when you don't have the ball.

You spend 95% of a match without the ball. What you do during that time determines how effective you are when you do get it. This guide covers timing runs, creating space for teammates, dragging defenders, and making yourself available. Smart movement opens up the game.

Key Points

1Move to create space for yourself OR for teammates
2Time your runs - too early and you're offside, too late and the pass can't be made
3Check away from the ball to create space, then come back to receive
4Diagonal runs are harder to track than straight runs
5Communicate with teammates - a shout helps the passer
6Watch the player with the ball - adjust your movement to their options

Training Drills

✓Timing runs drill - practice getting behind defence at the right moment
✓Third-man runs - make a run to drag defenders, creating space for others
✓Shadow play - move without the ball in match-realistic patterns
✓Small-sided games with "no ball-watching" rule to force movement
✓Position-specific movement patterns (striker, winger, midfielder)
✓Watch clips of elite players in your position to study movement patterns

Learn From the Pros

Thomas Müller - master of "raumdeuter" (space interpreter)Erling Haaland - times runs perfectly to get in behindLauren Hemp - creates width and depth with intelligent runsJamie Vardy - relentless off-ball runs stretching defencesSergio Agüero - found pockets of space in congested areas

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I get into better positions?”

“When should I make a run in behind?”

“Why don't I get passed to more often?”

“How can I create more space?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't my teammates pass to me when I make runs?

Timing might be off, or they can't see you. Make eye contact with the passer before running. Time your movement so you're arriving as the pass is being played. Communicate - a shout helps. And sometimes the pass isn't on - adjust and try again.

When should I make a run in behind vs coming short?

Depends on the game situation. If your team is under pressure, come short to help build play. If your teammate has time and space to pass, make a run in behind. Read the passer - if they're looking up, run. If they're pressed, show for a short pass.

How do I create space when defenders are tight on me?

Check away first (fake a run one way), then spin back to where you actually want to go. This drags the defender away from the space you want to receive in. Or make a run to drag the defender, creating space for a teammate. Not every movement is for you.

How can I improve my movement without a team?

Watch professionals in your position. Study their runs, timing, and patterns. Do shadow work - simulate match movements without the ball. When you train with your team, ask teammates and coaches for feedback on your positioning and runs.

Expert Advisors

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General Player

All-round player development

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The Pro

Professional/elite player development

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Youth Rising

Academy pathway for teenagers

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