Teaching soccer players spacing and not bunching together is one of the most common dilemmas coaches encounter, especially for younger players. Players should be aware of this common inclination as it can affect their support of teammates, attacking play, and possession.
As a coach, you want to create awareness in your players about the value of space and coach them in seeking out and manipulating space.
In this guide, you will discover why, how, what, and drills/coaching points to teach spacing in soccer.
Why Is Spacing Important in Soccer?
Spacing is the foundation of effective soccer play.
When your team maintains proper spacing, they create passing lanes, stretch the opposition, and open up opportunities to attack.
- Maintaining Possession: When players spread out, they provide more passing options for the player on the ball. This makes it harder for the opposing team to press and win possession.
- Creating Attacking Opportunities: Proper spacing forces defenders to cover more ground, creating gaps and openings for your team to exploit. This can lead to more scoring chances.
- Preventing Bunching: When players bunch up, they limit their own space and make it easier for defenders to intercept passes or close down attackers.
- Encouraging Teamwork: Spacing teaches players to work together as a unit, supporting each other and understanding their roles on the field.
How to Teach Soccer Players to Spread Out
Teaching spacing is not something that happens overnight. It requires consistent reinforcement, clear communication, and practical drills that help players understand the concept.
Here are some key coaching points to emphasize:
- Move Away from the Ball: Teach players that moving toward the ball reduces space for both themselves and their teammate. Instead, they should move away to create passing lanes and give the ball carrier more options.
- Scan the Field: Encourage players to constantly look around and assess the field. This helps them identify open spaces and anticipate where they need to be.
- Open Body Position: Players should receive the ball with their body positioned to see the field. This allows them to make quicker decisions and maintain awareness of their surroundings.
- Communication: Teach players to call for the ball when they’re in space and to communicate with teammates about their positioning.
- Positional Awareness: Even in small-sided games, assign players specific positions. This helps them understand where they should be in relation to the field and their teammates.
- Consistency: Reinforce these principles in every training session. Spacing is a habit that needs to be developed over time.
10 Soccer Drills to Teach Spacing
Each drill is designed to reinforce the principles of spreading out, finding space, and supporting teammates.
1. 4-Goal Soccer Game for Spacing
Objective: Encourage players to spread out and find space by attacking multiple goals.
Setup:
- Create a 10 x 15-yard area.
- Place 4 goals (one in each corner).
- Divide players into two teams of 3 or 4.
Instructions:
- Each team defends two goals and attacks the other two.
- Players must work together to move the ball and exploit the space in front of the unguarded goals.
- Corners and goal kicks are taken from the center of the area.
Coaching Points:
- Keep your head up to see where space is.
- Move into positions where you can support the ball carrier.
- Use your first touch to move away from pressure.
Questions to Ask Players:
- What should you be doing when you don’t have the ball?
- Where should your first touch take you?
SEE ALSO | How to Improve Your Soccer Stamina
2. Soccer Spacing Rondo Drill
Objective: Improve passing and movement while maintaining spacing.
Setup:
- Create two 5 x 5-yard areas.
- Divide players into two teams of 4.
- Each team sends one defender to the other team’s area.
Instructions:
- The team in possession must complete as many passes as possible while keeping the ball away from the defender.
- The team with the most passes wins the round.
Coaching Points:
- Scan the field before receiving the ball.
- Receive the ball in an open body position.
- Create passing angles by moving up and down your side.
Questions to Ask Players:
- How can you create space for your teammates?
- What should you do before receiving the ball?
3. Vertical Thirds Small-Sided Game
Objective: Teach players to stay in their positions and support teammates.
Setup:
- Divide a 10 x 15-yard area into three vertical thirds.
- Assign each player a position (left, center, right).
- Use two goals and one ball.
Instructions:
- Players must stay in their designated third but can dribble out to support teammates.
- If they pass or lose possession, they must return to their third.
Coaching Points:
- Stay in your position to stretch the field.
- Support the ball carrier by finding space in your area.
- Recover quickly after losing possession.
Questions to Ask Players:
- How can you make the field bigger when your team has the ball?
- What should you do if you lose possession?
SEE ALSO | Best Soccer Warm-Up Drills to Improve Skills and Stay Injury-Free
4. 2v1 Soccer Drill with a Magic Player
Objective: Teach players to use space effectively in a 2v1 situation.
Setup:
- Create a 5 x 10-yard area with two goals.
- Use three players (one defender, two attackers).
Instructions:
- The “magic player” (attacker) creates a 2v1 situation.
- If the attackers combine passes, the goal counts double.
Coaching Points:
- The magic player should always look for space.
- Communicate with your teammate to let them know where you are.
Questions to Ask Players:
- What should the magic player be looking for?
- How can you communicate effectively with your teammate?
5. 4v2 Possession Game
Objective: Teach players to spread out and maintain possession.
Setup:
- Create a 10 x 15-yard area with two goals.
- Use six players (four attackers, two defenders).
Instructions:
- The attackers must keep possession of two balls while the defenders try to steal and score.
Coaching Points:
- Communicate with your teammates.
- Move into space to support the ball carrier.
- Scan the field before receiving the ball.
Questions to Ask Players:
- How can you make it harder for defenders to win the ball?
- What should you do before receiving the ball?
6. 3-Team Keep-Away Game
Objective: Encourage players to spread out and find space in a dynamic environment.
Setup:
- Create a 10 x 15-yard area with two goals.
- Divide players into three teams of three.
Instructions:
- Two teams keep possession while one team defends.
- The team with the most passes wins the round.
Coaching Points:
- Constantly scan the field.
- Communicate with your teammates.
- Spread out to make it harder for defenders.
Questions to Ask Players:
- How can you create space for your teammates?
- What should you do if defenders are closing in?
SEE ALSO | Tips and Drills to Improve Heading Skills in Soccer
7. 3v3 Transition Game
Objective: Teach players to attack quickly and find space in transition.
Setup:
- Create a 10 x 15-yard area with one goal.
- Divide players into three teams of three.
Instructions:
- One team attacks while another defends.
- After a shot, the attacking team becomes defenders.
Coaching Points:
- Stay in your position to support teammates.
- Attack space quickly when the opposition is disorganized.
- Keep your head up while dribbling.
Questions to Ask Players:
- Where should you be to support your teammate?
- How can you take advantage of unorganized defenders?
8. Get It Wide Soccer Drill
Objective: Encourage wide players to stay in position and create space.
Setup:
- Create a 20 x 15-yard area with two wide channels.
- Divide players into two teams of four.
Instructions:
- Goals scored from wide areas count as three points.
Coaching Points:
- Wide players should stay in their channels.
- Support the wide player when the ball is in their area.
- Stay wide to create space for central players.
Questions to Ask Players:
- Where should wide players be when their team has the ball?
- How does staying wide help the team?
SEE ALSO | 10 Vital Soccer Skills for Kids With Basic Drills
9. Pass Through the Cones Drill
Objective: Teach players to think ahead and find space.
Setup:
- Create a 15 x 20-yard area with seven cone circles.
- Divide players into teams of three.
Instructions:
- Teams must pass the ball through different circles to score points.
Coaching Points:
- Move into space after passing.
- Receive the ball in an open body position.
- Communicate with teammates.
Questions to Ask Players:
- What should you do after passing the ball?
- How can you help your teammates make better decisions?
10. 4-Square Rondo Drill
Objective: Teach players to stay in their space and support teammates.
Setup:
- Create a 5 x 5-yard area divided into quarters.
- Use five players (one defender).
Instructions:
- Players must keep possession while staying in their quarter.
Coaching Points:
- Create passing angles for teammates.
- Receive the ball in an open body position.
- Use your first touch to move away from pressure.
Questions to Ask Players:
- How can you make it easier for your teammate to pass to you?
- Where should your first touch take you?
SEE ALSO | Triangle Passing Drills In Soccer
Recap
Teaching spacing in soccer is a gradual process that requires patience, repetition, and clear communication.
By consistently reinforcing the principles of spacing and using these drills, you’ll help your players develop the awareness and habits they need to succeed on the field.
