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Coaching movement off the ball is really difficult. The context of the game is constantly changing. New realities emerge, then disappear in an instant.
But, as Johan Cruyff said, “soccer is a thinking game and the feet are the tools.” So how can we train players to break bad habits and move with greater intent off the ball? This post explores that topic.

My kids are entry-level aged. They love playing soccer, racking up hours of 1v1 games and shooting competitions each day. Our living room has becom...

Far from Route 1 soccer, direct possession is a controlled approach to direct attacking. It often starts with low tempo, deep buildouts, but those actions are by design. Rather than unbalancing the opposition in their own defensive third, where there’s less space to disorganize them, direct possession looks to maximize space on the vertical axis and attack it once the opponent’s overcommit high up the field. Plus, that change in tempo is deadly.

It’s quick, structured, purposeful, and lethal.

It’s also a lot of fun to watch.