Brocklon Chatman, Executive Dir/Dir of Coaching, Fast Feet Academy
Full video on Glazier Drive: Attacking with Intent: Teaching Core Principles to Create Space, Penetration, and Goal-Scoring Opportunities
CREATE SPACE
Creating space is the foundation of effective attacking soccer. The presentation explains that coaches should teach players to create space rather than simply look for it. Width stretches defenders laterally to open central passing lanes, while depth forces the defensive line to spread vertically. Height pushes defenders deeper and compresses their shape, and combining width with depth stretches the defense until gaps appear.
RECOGNIZE SPACE
Once space has been created, players must learn to identify where the best attacking opportunities exist. The video highlights four key areas to recognize: space behind the last line, space between defensive lines, space beside defenders, and space created through teammate movement. Players are encouraged to scan before receiving the ball, maintain an open body position, and stay aware of teammates, opponents, and available space to make quicker, better decisions.
MAKE PENETRATION THE PRIORITY
The presentation emphasizes that penetration should always be the primary objective when a team has possession. Possession is a tool to create better attacking opportunities—not the ultimate goal. Players should constantly look for ways to advance the attack instead of circulating the ball without purpose. This mindset helps teams play with greater intent and become more dangerous in the final third.
UNDERSTAND THE ATTACKING DECISION-MAKING ORDER
The video introduces a clear hierarchy for attacking decisions. The first priority is to shoot when a quality opportunity exists. If a shot is not available, players should look for a penetrating pass, followed by a penetrating dribble that eliminates defenders and attacks open space. Maintaining possession becomes the final option when none of the penetrating choices are available, allowing the team to reset and create a better opportunity.
CONNECT THE PRINCIPLES TO BUILD A BETTER ATTACK
The presentation ties these concepts together into a simple attacking framework: create space, recognize space, attack space, and exploit space. Each principle builds on the previous one, giving players a clear sequence to follow during possession. By consistently teaching these concepts, coaches can help their teams move the ball with purpose, break down organized defenses, and generate higher-quality scoring chances.