Rotational play

This practice is about players supporting and creating space for themselves and their team mates through clever rotation, an awareness of space, and excellent communication.

In order to become a proficient passing team, players must learn to create space at all times. It’s a philosophy that we always encourage at Huddersfield Town, and is reliant on a high tempo and dedicated work rate throughout, with quality a vital component as well.

What do I get the players to do?

In a 50x25-yard area we mark out a small channel at each end, dividing the central area into four boxes. This is 8v8 plus four target men – two at each end in the channels. The objective is effective rotation of movement in receiving and passing, with teams scoring a point by transferring the ball from one end to the other using both sets of the target players (1a/1b).

1a

1b

There is a three-touch maximum for infield players, while target players are one-touch, and can play to each other once before passing back out. Infield players cannot play back to a target man after receiving the ball.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?

We’re looking for a good body shape and positive attacking gestures, such as receiving on the turn. Players are encouraged to rotate positions using good movement and communication; they must create space whilst ensuring passing accuracy. They must also guard against being drawn towards the ball too early, thus killing their space. And it’s vital too that target men are not ball focussed, so are always looking for options before receiving.

How do I progress the session?

To progress, we move to a 75x65-yard area, divided into thirds. This is 11v11 and the keeper starts the practice (2a).

2a

To score, players have to play through each section by moving forward, before recovering back into their shape (2b/3). Players must be willing to fill in to cover team mates who have moved out of position – for instance, if a defender breaks through into the final third, a midfielder drops back into the defensive line (4).

2b

3

4

In the progression, a high tempo is required throughout to make this as game realistic as possible.