With Possession: Attack the Space

If you watch advanced teams play, offense is a series of moves from one open space to the next. These teams have internalized that Possession is the first priority. Once achieved, they understand that open space provides a player time to respond to that which is going on around him. Time to see, to analyze, to make good decisions, to receive and control the ball, to dribble, to shoot. As such, it's paramount that one develops an ability to recognize, pursue and create open space with their movements, even enticing defenders to do for them. This constant gravitation toward creating space through movement is one of the hallmarks of good Soccer.

As players develop, their aim should be to create within themselves an ability to operate effectively, in control and with authority, in ever smaller spaces, to improve their reaction time and decision-making speed. Playing within constraints, such as small-sided, limited field games helps improve this ability.