GK LB LCB RCB RB DM LCM RCM LW ST RW ‹ ▶ Play Step 1 of 3 ›
Our 8s stand in the half-spaces: between their wide and central midfielders, behind their midfield line.
Drawn for 11v11 4-3-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step Our 8s stand in the half-spaces: between their wide and central midfielders, behind their midfield line. The centre-back plays through the gap into the left 8, who receives half-turned. Their full-back must choose: the 8 or the winger. They step in, so the winger runs in behind. When to use it Any time you have the ball in the middle third. 8s, 10s, inverted wingers and inverted full-backs all use the half-spaces.
Coaching points Put a player in each half-space, between their wide and central midfielders. Receive half-turned on the back foot so you can face forward with one touch. Wide players stay wide to keep their full-backs out there and the half-space open. From the half-space, look for the run between their full-back and centre-back. Use the half-space to switch too: it's closer to the other side than the touchline. Who does what Position Their job 8s Live in the half-spaces, receive and turn. Wingers Hold the width so the half-space stays open. Striker Pins the centre-backs; runs across for the ball through the gap. Centre-backs and 6 Find the half-space player with passes through the lines.
When they change it If they… You… Their midfielder drops to block the half-space The middle opens: play into the striker dropping. Their full-back steps in The winger is free outside: play it wide. They narrow everything Switch to the far side where the half-space is free.
Common mistakes Everyone drifting into the middle lane, crowding it. Wingers coming inside, so the half-space closes. Receiving square-on and having to turn back. At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7 With fewer players, the half-space is where a central midfielder goes to receive between their lines.
9v9 The two midfielders in a 3-2-3 work in the half-spaces.
11v11 The board: the left 8 in a 4-3-3 receives in the left half-space. See the full 11v11 4-3-3 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.
Drills to practise it Questions coaches ask What is a half-space? One of the two channels between the middle of the pitch and the wide areas, if you split the pitch into five vertical lanes.
Why are half-spaces dangerous? A player there can see more of the pitch, turn more easily, and defenders aren't sure who should press them.
Do young players need to know about half-spaces? Not the name. Teach 'find the gap between their players' and they'll find the half-spaces.
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