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Training Vialli Opposite Runs
Here is one way to train striker movements “off the ball” to find space and receive.
The following presentation is an example of what can be found in the Striker Movement Section of the Soccer Awareness Training Center. Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps develop world class youth soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition. Whether you’re a beginning coach who needs help getting started or someone who wants to add some variety to their training sessions, the Soccer Awareness Training Center offers a wide variety of drills to choose from. Join Today
Here is one way to train striker movements “off the ball” to find space and receive.
A simple set up to practice movement off the ball. (A) and (B) pass the ball back and forth, on the third pass the movement begins and (A) makes the desired pass. Do BOTH sides so players get to finish both sides with both feet. Or the Striker can use a code word for when the pass is made “Code Word” can be anything you like. You can create new ideas yourself and using this set up means it is easy to recreate. Sequence is (S) shoots, then (D) becomes (S) and (A) becomes (D) and (S) becomes (B) and we rotate through each player so everyone gets the chance to finish on goal. Or you may have more players to keep the momentum going. You can use this session as young as U8 in my opinion obviously simplifying it for the younger players.
Opposite Striker Movement 6
(A) And (B) pass back and forth. (S) makes a run to receive the ball. (S) wants to draw (D) towards the ball and create space in behind for himself to check and run into.
Opposite Striker Movement (The Vialli)
Striker (S) checks towards the ball. Have a “code word” which means he goes short to go long and perform an OPPOSITE RUN and (B) knows this so passes in behind. He creates space behind him by drawing the defender to the ball. Must be a sharp checking movement.
Opposite Striker Movement
Here striker (S) has left defender (D) for dead and is in on goal with a 1 v 1 with the keeper. (S) calls the “code word” as the ball is travelling to (A) and (A) then knows (S) wants the ball behind and beyond (D) and not to feet.
Include the striker in the build up
(A) To (B), (B) to (S), (S) to (A), (A) to (S).
New Striker Movement Presentations in the Soccer Awareness Training Center
Teaching Players to Face Up and Not Play with Their Backs to Goal in the 3 Team Transition Finishing Game
Details of Striker Movements “Off the Ball” to Find Space and Receive; And Finishing Techniques
Triangular Set Up for Striker Movement
Third Man Runs in the Attacking Third and Simple Off the Shoulder Runs of Strikers
Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps develop world class youth soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition. Join Now
3 Best Striker Movements to Get Free - Training Center Exclusive
This is a very good but also a very simple exercise to practice the opposite move.
Strikers usually stand with their back to defenders waiting for the ball, so the defender is in charge, this way a very small movement means they end up facing forward and are then at an advantage.
I believe this is a good way of simplifying movements by the striker in this position and giving them a framework to play from, they may develop their own variations of these three moves but it is a good planning tool to use in training so the players making the delivery at least have an idea what the striker may attempt in terms of his or her movement based on the position of the defender.
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Working Opposites With Movement Of Strikers
A very good but also a very simple exercise to practice the opposite move
Striker (E) comes short and shows for the ball asking for a pass. Defender (F) follows.
Midfielder (C) passes to (D), (D) then passes over the top into (E)’s path as he / she spins.
Defender must play passively. To continue the work once player (E) receives the ball they must beat (F) back to the touchline. Players (C) and (D) go to the middle and the next two take their place.
As the pass is going from (D) to (C) the striker shouts the code word and spins to receive the pass as player (C) is about to pass it. The shout must be early to (C) to make the pass at the exact same time (E) is spinning to receive it.
Develop – The player receiving the pass can get it “short or long”, to keep the defender guessing. If short, combine with the passer to beat the defender.
This is the “Vialli Move”.
Practice it also where (C) receives a pass from (E), has time on the ball, and can take two touches (liken to a game situation) and that player makes the next pass off the opposite move into the space behind the striker (E).
Alternatively (E) has possession, comes short and passes to (C), at the same time as passing (E) shouts the code word and (C) can make a one touch pass in behind, knowing (E) will spin and turn back due to the code word being called. If it isn’t called it can be passed to (E)”s feet or may be passed off to (D).
So, different set ups can be used here, sometimes the ball starts with (E) with a pass layoff, sometimes with (C) with it being passed to (D) and the timing needed and practiced thereof of the runs and passes based on the code word being called (or not).
So, options can be:
The start position is (C) passes to (D), and (E) times their run off that pass and uses the code word and receives a pass in behind them into space.
(C) passes to (D) again as the start position, and (E) times their run off that pass and doesn’t use the code word so gets it feet. Can pass back, check back to the cone to start again.
A different start position where (E) has the ball and passes to (C) and goes short; no code word so gets it to feet or the ball is passed to (D).
Now (E) has the ball again as the start position and passes to (C) and goes short; uses the code word as the pass goes to (C) who immediately passes the ball ONE TOUCH in behind and into space for the spin turn from (E). Lots of different ideas can be used here. Introduce a goal to finish in.
Individual Striker Movements
Strikers usually stand with their back to defenders waiting for the ball, so the defender is in charge, this way a very small movement means they end up facing forward and are then at an advantage.
The movement of the striker, the three ideas, working opposites on the first two.
Short to go long, (opposite run)
Long to come short, (opposite run)
Off the shoulder of the defender. Player A makes a diagonal run away to invite a ball “off / over the shoulder” of the marking defender.
On (1) the striker takes the defender towards the ball to create space behind, either for themselves or a team mate.
On (2) the striker takes the defender away to create space in front and short to check back into for themselves or a team mate.
On (3) Here the striker runs away and invites a ball off or over the shoulder of the defender, in this situation the striker is off the right shoulder of the defender.
The ball may be delivered off (outside) the right shoulder of the defender so it goes wider, or (inside) the left shoulder of the defender so the striker cuts inside the defender either in front or behind them, or moves towards the ball and receives to feet.
“Off The Shoulder” Has Three Further Movements To Consider
So; the striker (10) in this position has three ideas for moves; each of which help the striker to end up in a position where they are facing FORWARD:
A) Away from the defender then back across the defender either in front of them or behind them for the delivery inside the defender. If the defender checks away with the striker, then the striker checks back inside to their right; the defenders left (especially as the defender in this case plants their right foot down and is slightly off balance going to their right; the strikers left) always facing forward.
If not checked by the defender then the striker attacks behind the defender for the diagonal pass inside the defenders start position (on the ground or in the air).
B) Moving and staying off the shoulder for the delivery outside the defender to attack, the player on the ball plays a diagonal pass over the inside shoulder of the defender into the path of the striker facing forward.
The striker by making this move opens up the angle for the pass and gets in line still with the defender so as not to be offside but again facing forward, ready to attack the pass in front of them.
C) Going short to the ball to receive the delivery to feet after first moving not towards but away from the defending player and the ball, and ending up facing forward.
In this case the defender “should” drop off to cover themselves so the striker can’t make a run behind them, but this is the cue for the striker to check to the ball from a wider angle and more open body stance so they receive the ball at their feet; but facing forward with space to run at the defender; not with their back to goal and with their back to the defender. The first movement helps this space be created.
The defender starts in the same position as the striker though it isn’t shown here.
I believe this is a good way of simplifying movements by the striker in this position and giving them a framework to play from, they may develop their own variations of these three moves but it is a good planning tool to use in training so the players making the delivery at least have an idea what the striker may attempt in terms of his or her movement based on the position of the defender.
Free eBook: Teaching Strikers Receiving the Ball to Feet with Their Backs to Goal
All start positions should be with the idea of getting the ball into the strikers’ feet to receive it with their back to goal; and then developing the play from there. Emphasize the striker getting across the defender if the defender tries to get in front of them to intercept the pass to them, and using their body to block them off. This can be a big problem for a striker if they are not aware of where the defender marking them is. Secondary movements and developments will result from there. Using the three R’s to teach this; Review, rehearse and restart.
Below is a preview of Soccer Awareness eBook 14: "Teaching Strikers Receiving the Ball to Feet with Their Backs to Goal and Introducing Quick Play in and Around the Box"
Scroll to the bottom of the page to download this ebook for free!
All start positions should be with the idea of getting the ball into the strikers’ feet to receive it with their back to goal; and then developing the play from there.
Emphasize the striker getting across the defender if the defender tries to get in front of them to intercept the pass to them, and using their body to block them off.
This can be a big problem for a striker if they are not aware of where the defender marking them is.
Secondary movements and developments will result from there.
Using the three R’s to teach this; Review, rehearse and restart.
Warm Up:
In 4’s, receiving and turning or passing back and playing forward, first thought is can I turn and beat the defender and pass to the target, otherwise the passing player gets the ball back and plays it forward to the target, so the striker then acts as a rebound player.
Strikers must be strong to keep the ball at their feet doing this and back into the defender in the process.
The striker can do this side on to the defender too (to help their peripheral vision for seeing opponents and their own teammates), and protecting the ball with their body using the opposite foot to maintain possession. Once the ball is at the other side the defending players become attackers and have to do the same back.
Teach receiving both with the inside and the outside of the feet. Strikers can drop their shoulders one way and move the other as a feint to fool the defender.
If there is no space behind for a player to pass into them then strikers need to get the ball to feet and be able to work from there.
Coaching Points:
Using the body to hold the defender off, so the striker initially backs into the defender
Communication between the passer and receiver as to where the receiver wants the ball (using verbal or visual cues)
A good first touch (perhaps turning with the ball on the first touch)
Receiving and turning beating the defender 1 v 1 to shoot on goal, using the defenders body as a pivot
If the striker can’t turn then try to work a combination with the 2nd striker and act as a rebound player
Lay the ball off to a midfield player to develop the secondary phase of play from there
Get a finish on goal
Developing the Striker and Shadow Striker Using 6 Players
This exercise is great for the thinking processes and fast decision making on and off the ball and rotations between players. Can call this the striker (9) and Shadow Striker (10) also working off each other. But it can apply to players in other parts of the field supporting each other.
The following is part of a presentation on Developing the Striker and Shadow Striker Using 6 Players that can be found in the Striker Movement Section of the Soccer Awareness Training Center. Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps develop world class youth soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition. Whether you’re a beginning coach who needs help getting started or someone who wants to add some variety to their training sessions, the Soccer Awareness Training Center offers a wide variety of drills to choose from. Join Today
This exercise is great for the thinking processes and fast decision making on and off the ball and rotations between players. Can call this the striker (9) and Shadow Striker (10) also working off each other. But it can apply to players in other parts of the field supporting each other. THE PLAYERS IN THE MIDDLE MUST ALWAYS SCAN BEHIND THEM WITH A LOOK OVER THE SHOULDER BEFORE RECEIVING THE BALL.
Technical Coaching points:
Support angle / distance of the two middle players (not in straight lines)
Receiving skills of the two middle players (TIGHT first touch is vital)
Passes into and from the two middle players (weight, timing and accuracy)
Awareness of the two middle players (scanning openings)
Combination plays of the two middle players (give and go’s a favorite)
The TIMING of movements and PASSES are vital and must be in synch
Progression: Servers can change sides before receiving a pass from the middle players.
Liken the thirds to the attacking third, middle third and defensive third so the shadow striker is dropping back from the attacking third to the middle third to receive the ball. You could liken this to a midfield player dropping short to receive from the back players also.
This is a great all round clinic for many skills being trained including: Passing and the weight and angle of the pass, Movement off the ball, Creating and finding space, supporting positions particularly angled support; decision making without pressure to begin, transition, and ultimately Awareness on and off the ball. Both middle players must touch the ball before it is transferred to the other side.
The two middle players must be aware of each others positions. Must never be in the same half of the field to ensure one goes short and one long. Working on receiving skills and release skills.
Avoid supporting in a straight line, working angles off each other to support.
Play the ball into striker (9) who then lays it off for the shadow striker (10), instead of it going to the shadow striker first then the point striker. The difference is, to the shadow striker first, this player has to receive and turn and pass, into the point striker then it is all passing the way you are facing. 10 x 10 yard grid or larger if necessary.
Supporting at angles to each other for greater Peripheral Vision
The Basic set up. (1) passes to (2) who passes (3) who passes back to (4) who passes to (5) who passes to (6). (3) and (4) MUST be at angles to each other. All passes are angled. We have 4 zones that players use to find their positions in. 10 x 10 yard grid.
Showing the passing sequence and the movements of (3) and (4). Once the ball gets to (6) (1) and (2) have switched with (3) and (4) and gotten in position to receive and work off each other. 10 x 10 yard grid.
As the ball travels the players are switching. The pass from (5) to (6) takes time and allows time for the switch. 10 x 10 yard grid.
As the ball travels the players are switching. The pass from (5) to (6) takes time and allows time for the switch. Now (1) is in position to receive from (6) and (2) is in position to receive from (1). 10 x 10 yard grid.
As the ball travels the players are switching. The pass from (5) to (6) takes time and allows time for the switch. Now (1) is in position to receive from (6) and (2) is in position to receive from (1). 10 x 10 yard grid.
Striker Movements Section Preview
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Sideways on Soccer Using Corridors
4 v 4 game. Players have to pass diagonally forward because of the condition set. This develops the checking and passing habits of players. Players stay in their same corridors or zones. Theme is to have them check off at an angle and sideways on so they can see the opponent, their team mates and the goal behind them.
The following drill is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness eBook 6: Sideways On or Facing Forward Body Shape for Striker Position; The Brazilian Way.
This book includes In-Depth Information on Striker Movement.
Soccer is a sideways on sport -- players will have much more success when they are able to receive the ball at an angle. Being sideways on allows players, in advance of the ball, to be able to see peripherally advancing defenders.
These exercises are excellent for developing this sideways on aspect of receiving and passing the ball. This aspect of play becomes particularly important when one touch soccer is required. Being able to have the body halfway turned enables attacking players to use a couple of maneuvers to get past defenders. Get it Now
Now we have the two groups play together. Start Position is player (1) passes into Player (4). Defender (B) cannot close that player down until they have had their first touch. It is important to keep the start position passive from a defensive perspective.
Rules:
A player can’t pass forward in their own corridor or zone.
A player can pass forward to the other corridor.
A player can pass back in their own corridor.
4 v 4 game. Players have to pass diagonally forward because of the condition set. This develops the checking and passing habits of players. Players stay in their same corridors or zones. Theme is to have them check off at an angle and sideways on so they can see the opponent, their team mates and the goal behind them.
Strikers work together and link up trying to create angles of support between each other, one short, one long etc.
Develop: Increase the number of corridors and players.
Continuing the movement, (3) is side on to receive and can see opponent (A) and see across to teammate (4) and plays a one touch pass into (4)’s path.
(4) moves into the space where the ball is passed and loses the defender (B) and scores with a one touch finish and shot on goal.
Defender (A) closes down (3) and stops the shot at goal for (3). But the side - on stance of (3) allows (3) to see (4) and affects the pass to (4).
If defender (A) had not closed down the shot at goal for (A) then (3)’s best option was to shoot.
Players have to decide what is the best option a shot or a pass; it may be determined by the positioning of the immediate defender.
Back players can attack also.
More passing ideas
Focus is on scoring where they can. Check the defenders position to see if they can shoot, or need to pass instead. Read the space between the striker and the defender when you pass the ball into them.
Passing away from the striker into space in front of them and the defender or to the side of them and not into feet helps the striker move and receive and get away from the defender. The striker can make the movement first and motion to the passer where they want it by pointing also.
Here (3) checks off short and wide to receive a pass and passer (2) passes the ball away from the defender on the inside of the striker so the striker has their body between the ball and the defender but is also side on to o see in front of them.
Here (1) has a forward pass to (4) or a chance to shoot at goal. (4) Could take (B) away to open up the space for a shot also.
Finishing Techniques From Wide Strikers
Work on finishing technique from wide strikers with this drill from Soccer Awareness Training Center. You can use this session as young as U8 in my opinion obviously simplifying it for the younger players.
The following drill comes from the Striker Movements section of the Soccer Awareness Training Center. Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps develop world class youth soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition. Whether you’re a beginning coach who needs help getting started or someone who wants to add some variety to their training sessions, the Soccer Awareness Training Center offers a wide variety of drills to choose from. Join Today
A simple set up to practice movement off the ball. (A) and (B) pass the ball back and forth, on the third pass the movement begins and (A) makes the desired pass.
Do BOTH sides so players get to finish both sides with both feet. Or the Striker can use a code word for when the pass is made. “Code Word” can be anything you like. You can create new ideas yourself and using this set up means it is easy to recreate.
Sequence is (S) shoots, then (D) becomes (S) and (A) becomes (D) and (S) becomes (B) and we rotate through each player so everyone gets the chance to finish on goal. Or you may have more players to keep the momentum going.
You can use this session as young as U8 in my opinion obviously simplifying it for the younger players.
Start position inside. Movement outside to take the defender wide. If the defender does not follow then get it to feet to run at him 1 v 1. If he does follow then perform an OPPOSITE run, outside to inside. (7) coming inside on stronger left foot to shoot.
Get more like this in the Striker Movements section of the Soccer Awareness Training Center. Not a member? Try for one week free!
54 Pages
We want to stay with our own game plan as closely as possible; based on what we practice and to keep it simple for us; as we dictate to our opponents; and we impose OUR WAY on them.
But there will be many occasions where we must change the system of play and we may have to adjust to suit the opponents.
Here are some ideas for you to consider for your team starting with the 13313 and 14231 systems of play.