Ebook 9

Wayne Harrison
presents
Exclusive Book Series

Book 9
How to Develop Spatial Awareness

Rotational Combination Movements to Teach in 11 v 11
ABOUT
WAYNE HARRISON
• Ex-Professional Player with Blackpool; England and Oulu

Palloseura; Finland
• Represented Great Britain in the World Student Games in

Mexico
• Bachelors of Arts in Sports Psychology
• UEFA ‘A’ License 1996
• NSCAA Premier Diploma holder
• Author of 14 Coaching Books and 4 DVD’s
• DOC for Al Ain Soccer Club; United Arab Emirates; Middle
East; 7 Youth National Championships in 2 years at
Professional level
• Proponent of Soccer Awareness One Touch
Developmental Training
• Owner Soccer Awareness Developmental Training
programs
Positioning and rotations correctly “off the ball”
is vital for team success.
We begin with a description of the roles of each player
and how and where they can move to compliment each
other.
After establishing the roles and responsibilities of each

player, we look at how small movements off the ball can
open up spaces for players and create passing lanes.
This then builds into the development of rotational

movement within the team framework. Then forward
movements and rotations to create options for the player
on the ball. When the ball needs to be played in behind
a defense holding a high line and now players learning
forward movement and the timing and angle of runs and
creating several options for the passer.
Finally, we go over Switching the Point of Attack. Here we

show how to overload one side of the field to leave the
other side open to catch opponents with a very fast switch
of play. Rather than player rotation this is “BALL” rotation
and retention.
Potential Choices Of Movement In A 4-2-3-1
A progression from this was the interchange of players; (8) may switch with (7), (9) with
(11) and so on.
Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

4
How They Link
We are trying to create triangles and diamonds of support so players can set up side
on of each other. It should enable many options of support.

5
The Players In Our System: Passing Lines Of The Keeper
For distribution it has to be Reina of Bayern Munich as a prime example.

6
The Role Of 6
Potentially the most important pivot player on the team. Has to have many qualities;
particularly to play one touch in tight areas. Traditionally 10 is the play maker, but you
can have 6 as your play maker if you have the right player to do it. Liken to Buschets
of Barca or Alonso of Bayern Munich; Mikel of Chelsea and the original; Makélelé of
Chelsea.

7
Number 6 Is A Very Vital Cog In The Wheel
Number 6 must be able to play as a sweeper in front of the back four when we have
possession and also behind the two central defenders when we lose it.

8
The Roles Of 4 And 5
Looking for discipline in movement here but if you have the players to do it in these
positions the central defender can bring the ball out of the back and 6 can fill in for him.
Liken to Pique of Barcelona bringing the ball out, or Badstuber of Bayern Munich more
defensively solid.

9
The Players In Our System: Passing Lines Of 4 And 5
Simplicity in possession is the key here.

10
The Wingbacks have incredible FREEDOM of movement in this system of play. They
can become out and out wingers; or even inside right and inside left in an attacking
sense. 6 assesses their positions and acts accordingly as cover. Liken to Dani Alves of
Barca and Leyton Baines of Everton.

11
Lots of freedom of movement between players and units here highlighting those of the
two Wingbacks.

12
They can interchange with various players but especially 10 patrols around Zone 14.
For 10 liken to Iniesta of Barcelona; Ozil of Arsenal or Mata of Manchester United; but
with rotation. For 8 liken to Scholes (the best historically) or Xavi of Barca.

13
8 and 10 are the engines in the system.

14
Less traditional than many wide players are used. Often a right footer on the left and a
left footer on the right can be used so they come inside to attack and shoot on goal.
Liken to Messi and Ronaldo and Silva of Manchester City. 7 and 11 can be said to
play inside right and inside left as support for the central striker so we become a three
striker set up.

15
A thought to add, in training have 3, 10 and 11 play together to build a relationship for
11 v 11 even in 3 v 3 small sided games. Or 3, 4 and 6, or 8, 9 and 10, and so on.

16
The Role Of 9
Target man, or play running channels (or both). Able to interchange positions and have
great mobility but in and around zone 14 and the width of the penalty area generally.
Liken to Van Persie and Benzema of RM.

17
The Players In Our System: Passing Lines Of 9
Target man, or play running channels (or both). Able to interchange positions and have
great mobility but in and around zone 14 and the width of the penalty area generally.
Liken to Van Persie and Benzema of RM.

18
How To Develop Spatial Awareness
How Small Movements Off The Ball Can Open Up Spaces For Players And Create
Passing Lanes
Positioning Between Opponents Using Cones For Reference
This is how players have moved to find space using cone positions to help them.
Finding the best space between triangles and diamond shapes of cones. Also
determined by the position of the ball.

19
Poor Positioning Between Opponents
A few examples how just a poor position by a few yards makes it harder for 5 to pass
the ball and for the receiver to receive it. Not using SPACE correctly.

20
Poor Positioning Due To Opponents Closing Down
Players are constantly moving to either find SPACE or mark an opponent. These
current positions may be at the actual moment a player is closed down. This is when
our players need to MOVE AGAIN.

21
As A Start Position Between Opponents
As long as the players don’t stay in these positions but MOVE, potentially as shown,
then we can make it work. These are just suggestions of movement that are more
obvious, given the set up.

22
Positioning Between Opponents
This is how players have moved to find space using opponents positions to help them.
Finding the best space between triangles and diamond shapes of opponents. Also
determined by the position of the ball.

23
Positioning Between Each Other
Now challenging players to make decisions. Does 4 or 5 close down (9), for example?
Does 2 or 4 close down (11)?

24
How To Develop Spatial Awareness
Now We Look At The Development Of Rotational Movement Within The Team

Framework
Simple 2 Player Rotational Combination Movements to Teach
Now (7) cuts inside clearing the space for (2) to overlap. (6) plays the ball into the
space (7) has created for (2).

25
Now (7) cuts inside clearing the space for (2) to overlap. Defender (C) stays wide to
mark (2) so (6) passes to (7).

26
Now central midfielder (10) and wide left striker / midfielder (11) rotate.

27
Now central striker (9) comes short and central midfielder (10) goes long and (6) plays
the ball to (10) into the space created by (9) bringing defender (B) out of it.

28
Same idea different angle of pass. This REALLY is a simple rotation.

29
Now center back (6) brings the ball out of defense and central midfielder (10) drops in
to cover. Fullbacks (2) or (3) could also drop in to cover (6). (6) becomes (10) and (10)
becomes (6).

30
(9) Short, (10) wide, (7) inside from outside.
So (9) becomes (10), (10) becomes (7); (7) becomes (9).

31
The set up is for (3), (10) and (11) to work together and move opponents around to free
up space for each other.

32
We hope the defenders react slowly to our movements that are preplanned so they are
not aware of what we are going to do which should give us the edge.
(9) can pull away to clear the space for (11) also.

33
A Three Player Rotation
Movements affect the positioning of defenders and FREE up spaces for our players
potentially. Here are the “start positions” of the attacking players. Pass to 2 and 10 in
front of them; 9 to feet; 7 into his path.

34
A Three Player Rotation
potentially. Here are the “start positions” of the attacking players. Pass to 2 and 10 in
front of them; 9 to feet; 7 into his path.

35
A Four Player Rotation
Now include (2) and we have a 4 player rotation.

36
(9) wide, (10) wide, (11) inside from outside. Movements create space for each other
and for themselves. So, (10) becomes (11), (11) becomes (9) and (9) becomes (7) and
(7) becomes (8). (9) off the shoulder of (B) movement.

37
How Movement Of A Player Can Help Another Player
A simple movement by 10 takes defender 6 away and clears the space for 8 to receive
the pass. Likewise 7 takes defender 3 inside, clears the space for wingback 2.

38
Perhaps more clarity from this now; FREEING up spaces for our players potentially.
Pass to 2 and 10 in front of them; 9 to feet; 7 into his path.

39
potentially. Pass to 2 and 10 in front of them; 9 to feet; 7 into his path. Here we get (2)
free in an inside right position between (C) and (D). (7) distracts (D).

40
A Five Player Rotation Shown With Opponents
(2) Becomes (7), (7) becomes (10); (9) becomes (7) and (10) becomes (11), (11)
becomes (9).

41
A Six Player Rotation Shown With Opponents
(2) Becomes (7), (7) becomes (10); (9) becomes (7) and (10) becomes (11), (3)
becomes (9).
(11) becomes an inside left player in no mans land. We want ALL players to appear in
“off” and unpredictable positions on the field like this.

42
A 6 Player rotation with 3 separate rotations of 2 players each. Here we show the start
positions of each player and where we want them to end up.

43
A 6 Player rotation with 3 separate rotations of 2 players each.

44
A 6 Player rotation with 3 separate rotations of 2 players each. Here is after all the
movement has happened hopefully we will get a few players FREE out of the 6 players
interchanging.

45
Forward Movement And Rotations To Create Options For The Player On The Ball
When the ball needs to be played in behind a defense holding a high line and
now players learning forward movement and the timing and angle of runs and
creating several options for the passer.
They Defend High We Play In Behind
A 6 Player rotation with 3 separate rotations of 2 players each. Here we show the start
positions of each player and where we want them to end up.

46
They Defend High We Play In Behind
A 6 Player rotation with 3 separate rotations of 2 players each. Here is after all the
movement has happened hopefully we will get a few players FREE out of the 6 players
interchanging.

47
A Very Offensive Attack From A 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 Beginning
Many passing opportunities now for (6) after players interchange to move defenders
into places they don’t want to go.

48
(9) Is The Catalyst To The Attack
Start positions for the attack players forming big spaces between each other to open
up passing lanes. We get as BIG as possible.

49
(9) Holds the ball up to lay off for a third man run by (10). As soon as (9) comes short
that is the “cue” for the others to attack forward, timing is the key.

50
(9) Holds the ball up to lay off for a third man run by (8). So support behind and support
in front for the next pass. It could go to any of the attacking players so we have several
third man runs.

51
Showing all the potential passes for (10) on the ball.
With all the rotations / interchanges and movements OFF the ball; someone;
somewhere; will get free, (10) has to pick them out.

52
Switching the Point of Attack
Here we show how to overload one side of the field to leave the other side open
to catch opponents with a very fast switch of play.
Rather than player rotation this is “BALL” rotation and retention.
Attacking Set Up
Start positions for the attack players forming big spaces between each other to open
up passing lanes. We get as BIG as possible. We will next begin to overload one side
of the field and make it the strong side.

53
Drawing Defenders Towards The Ball
We play (11) in wide but keep players on the weak side of the field wide and open. We
want to draw the opponents towards the ball with our initial movements of players close
to the ball and drawing them away from the WEAK side. Now here you see (2) and (7)
almost forgotten and on the BLIND / WEAK SIDE of play.

54
Switching The Point Of Attack
Now we play two very fast passes to change the point of attack and we see (8) getting
involved also on the blind / weak side of the field catching the opponents off guard.

55
Being Patient To Create The Switch
We may even keep the ball there for a few passes to draw them in even more and
being patient and showing no interest for the other side of the field. Then we hit them
hard with the fast switch of play and we have 3 players in wide open space to attack
the goal.

56
Not Showing Defenders Obvious Recovery Runs Just For Clarity
Now (2) overlaps (7) to get into a crossing position and in the meantime as the switch
is happening (8), (9), (10) and (11) get in finishing positions in and around the box. (6)
ready to drop back in should the opponents win the ball and counter attack.

57
ABOUT
WAYNE HARRISON
Married to Mary for 30 years with two daughters Sophie 26 and Johanna 23.
Wayne is available for Soccer Symposiums and Conventions wherever they are

needed; and able to offer field clinics and classroom presentations of your choosing.
He has vast experience in this field of work.
His specialist system of play is the 4-2-3-1. His favored type of development training is
that of creating the “THINKING PLAYER” through his SOCCER AWARENESS methods
of coaching.
His belief is developing the MIND of the player through ONE TOUCH training, which is
purely to help the development of the SKILL FACTOR (the when, where how and why
of decision making; or the thinking process). He wants all coaches to teach where it is
the player who becomes the decision maker not the coach.
You can contact him on soccerawareness@outlook.com and / or view his website

www.soccerawareness.com.
This book was reproduced in partnership with Amplified Soccer Marketing, LLC. Find
out more at www.amplifiedsoccer.com.

58
GET THESE ADDITIONAL BOOKS AT
WWW.SOCCERAWARENESS.COM

59
GET THESE ADDITIONAL BOOKS AT
WWW.SOCCERAWARENESS.COM

60

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What are the roles of each player in a team?

What are the roles of each player in a team?

How can small movements off the ball help create space and passing lanes?

How can small movements off the ball help create space and passing lanes?

Wayne Harrison

How to Develop Spatial Awareness

• Ex-Professional Player with Blackpool; England and Oulu

• Represented Great Britain in the World Student Games in

After establishing the roles and responsibilities of each

This then builds into the development of rotational

Finally, we go over Switching the Point of Attack. Here we

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

For distribution it has to be Reina of Bayern Munich as a prime example.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Simplicity in possession is the key here.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

8 and 10 are the engines in the system.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Positioning Between Opponents Using Cones For Reference

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Now We Look At The Development Of Rotational Movement Within The Team

Simple 2 Player Rotational Combination Movements to Teach

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Same idea different angle of pass. This REALLY is a simple rotation.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

(9) Short, (10) wide, (7) inside from outside.

So (9) becomes (10), (10) becomes (7); (7) becomes (9).

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Now include (2) and we have a 4 player rotation.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE

Pass to 2 and 10 in front of them; 9 to feet; 7 into his path.

Wayne Harrison Soccer Awareness © 2013 PAGE