In the football( or soccer) of this generation, the term half-spaces is a popular part of the lingo.
Let's Define
A half-space is a certain space ( or gap) between the centre backs and the full-backs. It is also known as the interior corridors. It's important that the two centre-backs work in tandem, if not undue gaps can be left between them position and the full-backs. It is therefore the calling of good teams to confuse opposing defenders, to pull them away from eachother, thereby creating gaps that can hurt the opposition.
Task
Now my assignment here is to reveal several ways by the which teams enlarge the half-spaces of the opposition defence to hurt them.
》Position Wide Players
Here the wide players, be it wingers, full-backs or wing-backs, are asked to play very wide– close to the throw-in line. This will confuse the opposing wide defenders– "should I stay with them wide or should I tuck in?" they would be thinking.
Whilst this decision is raging in their minds, the opposition gives licence to an attacking midfielder or even a deep lying playmaker to swoop into the half-spaces that would be created if the wide defenders stick with this wide attackers.
》Distractive Darts
Here, strikers or front line players knowing that central defenders have been detailed to follow them, deliberate make quick runs that will cause the centre back(s) to go out of position. So a striker can drift really wide, dragging the centre-back wide with him or a winger can cut inside and the full-back will be lured to following him. All these will widen the half-spaces for the opposition to exploit.
》Midfield Sharpness
This is more like a follow-up to the first two points above. It means that central midfielders must be smart or dynamic enough to take advantage of half-spaces, especially when the situations in both scenarios above are ongoing. It is so true that these kind of movements– we call runs from deep– often go unnoticed by the opposition defence.
》Overloads
This is one tool Pep Guardiola applies. Overload here means drafting more players than normal to attack a particular position.
The opposition will normally respond to this by drafting more players to help defend the overload. When this happens, the attacking team quickly transitions the ball to the opposite side of the pitch where a gaping half-space would have been created.
》Quick Ball Movement
Passing the ball quickly from side to side often creates a drowsy kind of effect on the opposition. Now the opposition's defensive shape begins to alter and spaces often opens up. When half-spaces open up, a player with a great passing range, like De Bryune, is expected to churn out diagonal passes to such zones.
There are a few other methods for exploiting half-spaces, if you want more I will oblige.
Generally the key is fooling the opposition with well drilled movements. Even if the opposition has a defence line of 5 players, it can be torn apart by the above listed methods– it just keeps the opponent guessing.
Have a blessed day.
Yours faithfully,
Eliakim da witty one😉
