Finding the Open Space: Making Smart Moves on Offense

In team sports, 'open space' is an area on the field or court where there are no defenders. Moving to open space is one of the most important offensive skills you can learn.Why does it matter? Because when you're in open space, you:Make it easy for teammates to pass to you.Create scoring opportunities for yourself and others.Force the defense to move, which can create open spaces for your teammates.Make the game easier and more fun!The key is to move before you get the ball. Smart players are always thinking, 'Where can I go to help my team?'

The 'give-and-go' is a classic basketball move that uses open space perfectly.Step 1: Give (The Pass). You have the ball and are being guarded. You pass the ball to a nearby teammate.Step 2: Go (The Cut). The moment you pass, your defender often relaxes or turns to watch the ball. This is your chance! You immediately 'cut' (run quickly) towards the basket, into the open space your defender just left.Step 3: Get it Back. Your teammate sees you cutting into the open space and passes the ball right back to you for an easy layup. You used a simple pass to create a wide-open scoring chance!

In soccer, the field is huge, so finding and using space is everything.Step 1: Read the Defense. Your teammate has the ball in the midfield. You look up and see a gap between two of the other team's defenders.Step 2: Make the Run. You start sprinting into that open gap. It's important to time your run so you don't go offside. You can point to the space you're running to, signaling to your teammate.Step 3: The Through-Ball. Your teammate reads your run and passes the ball into the open space ahead of you. You can run onto the ball without slowing down, creating a powerful attack or a direct shot on goal.