SUPPORTING THE BALL
Getting Open & Being an Option

The ball carrier cannot solve problems alone

When a player has the ball, they are usually under time pressure.

If teammates do not get open:

• passing options disappear

• the ball carrier feels trapped

• panic dribbles or random kicks happen

• possession is lost quickly

Many turnovers at this age are not caused by poor skill — they are caused by lack of support.

Getting open gives the ball carrier choices.

Getting open keeps possession as a team

Possession is not just about passing well — it is about having options.

When players get open properly:

• passes are safer

• pressure is relieved

• the team stays connected

• attacks last longer

When players stand still or hide behind defenders:

• even good passes become risky

• teammates are forced into bad decisions

A simple idea for players: “If you want the ball, help the ball.”

Getting open helps players learn the game faster

Getting open teaches players to:

• read space

• recognize pressure

• understand team shape

• move with purpose

These habits improve:

• decision-making

• confidence

• awareness

This concept accelerates learning across all attacking moments.

A player is open when:

• the ball carrier can see them

• there is no defender blocking the passing lane

• the pass can be made safely
  
  

A player is not open when:

• a defender is standing between them and the ball

• they are too far away to pass safely

• they are standing still and easy to mark
  
  

Important coaching clarity: Calling for the ball does not make a player open. Movement and positioning do. 

Getting open is about movement, timing, and space, not speed or tricks.

Below are the primary ways U10+ rec players should learn to get open.

Move away from defenders, not toward the ball

Many young players run toward the ball, which:

• crowds the space

• brings defenders with them

• removes passing lanes

Often, the best way to get open is to:

• move away from the ball

• move sideways or backward into space

• create a clear angle to receive

Coach explanation for players: “Running at the ball usually makes it harder to pass. Running into space makes it easier.”

Change speed or direction to lose a defender

Standing still makes it easy to be marked.

To get open, players should:

• take a few steps away from a defender

• change direction suddenly

• slow down, then speed up

• move just as the ball carrier looks up

The goal is not to sprint nonstop —  it is to create separation for one moment.

Check away, then check back

This is one of the most effective movements at this age.

What it looks like:

• the player moves away from the ball briefly

• the defender often follows

• the player then quickly checks back toward open space

Why it works:

• it moves the defender first

• it opens a passing lane

• it times movement with the pass

This teaches players that movement creates space.

Support at different angles — not all in front

Helpful options exist in three main places:

• in front of the ball (forward option)

• beside the ball (side option)

• behind the ball (safe option)

If all teammates run forward:

• the ball carrier has no safe outlet

• pressure becomes overwhelming

Players should learn that: Supporting behind or beside the ball is just as valuable as going forward.

This supports possession and team shape.

Getting open does not mean roaming everywhere.

Players should:

• stay in their general area

• get open within their role

• avoid crowding teammates

• maintain team shape
  
  

For example:

• wide players help by getting wide and visible

• central players help by finding gaps

• backs help by supporting underneath
  
  

This keeps the team organized while attacking.

• Standing still → players don’t know how to help

• Everyone yelling “Here!” → players don’t understand space yet

• All players running forward → players don’t understand support

• Hiding behind defenders → players don’t realize they are invisible

Getting Open & Being an Option directly supports:

• Communication (showing and calling at the right time)

• Possession — Controlling the Game

• Shape, Positioning & Sliding

• Space — Creating It

• Intentional Passing Decisions 

This concept relies on:

• Receiving

• Passing

• Scanning

• Ball Control & First Touch

• Shielding (when support is late)
  
  

Skills allow players to execute — getting open allows those skills to matter.