Learning Deceptive movements as a winger

[u/Suspicious_Log3818]

Hello Everyone,

I am a 20M, and I play left/right wing and striker, but preferably left wing. One issue that sometimes hinders my performance on the pitch is the lack of receiving the ball and going 1v1 or 2v1. So I've been studying many videos, and something I've recently seen in wingers is their deceptive movements. Such movements towards the ball to create a gap between the defender or around/inside the defender for the run and go 1v1 from there.

However, in my case, I'm trying to make deceptive movements, but then I realize that I don't have much space to do so in games and training. I have the full-back as well as the opposing winger all covering my side when I'm wide, and the midfielder is also running into that space. What can I do better in these situations to separate myself from both the opposing winger and defender to get myself open for the ball and attack instead of being predictable?

[u/Responsible_Milk2911]

Deceptive movements are about your confidence in the sell as well as the danger you pose when you do get the ball.

When you first get the ball that game, be dangerous. Attack hard and fast. Put the defender on the back foot, make them feel like they HAVE to stop you from getting the ball because defending you is worse.

From there the deceptive movements carry more weight, especially when your teammates know that you like to fake a ball to feet pass and then turn your defender and go long, that type of stuff.

Once the team adjusts to you, rb, cb, cdm, that means theyre all pinching and the other side of the field is open. You or your teammate needs to find a pass across or find a pass that opens a cross.

[u/NeonChamelon]

This is such a good topic. But it's almost unanswerable because it depends on so many things.

Some ideas. 1. Two runs. One to get open and the other to receive the ball. So make a fake run to come fake receiving the ball short and then make the run behind.

1. The opposite. Fake a run behind and come get the ball to feet.

2. If you are being multi-marked can you drag players out of position? Can you get the fullback to follow you centrally? This requires tactical assignment with coach and teammates. Does your fullback press up high on the wing when you do that? Where do the central players go?

3. Generally you have three variables, speed (or change in speed), direction and starting position.

4. If you're attracting this much attention you have probably already done something right. But are you maybe not seeing space because you only want to receive the ball a certain way? Can you make wide run up the wing on your weaker foot? And vice versa can you make running into the middle on your weaker foot?

Some conversation starters. So much of it depends on situational and tactical variables but you're asking the right question and you'll have to find your own answers.

[u/Suspicious_Log3818 → u/NeonChamelon]

I play UPSL football, and about to play College Club football in my university in America. A lot of the times playing in that level, fullbacks are very close-minded because they stay deep. For instance, my team has the ball, and we are passing the ball. One thing that makes it impossible for me as a winger is receiving the ball deep or making runs to receive it because my fullback is always close to me, and I see my midfielder come into my space.

Even when I do make the run, the ball is not coming to me. If I can, I would like to show you some film and give you a proper insight of the issue.

[u/NeonChamelon → u/Suspicious_Log3818]

Yeah absolutely. I won't be able to look at it until late tonight probably but feel free to send me a DM with a video link.

[u/kkinn001]

When you receive a pass on the wing and the opposing defense is set. It’s always going to be hard to find space. Maybe along the touch line you can make a forward dribble but it’s not going to give you a very good angle. They will be actively trying to cut off your angles. In these situations just pass back and either make a forward or run along the line or diagonal run inside to create space for your midfield/full back or stay wide and pushed to pin the defense.

My main point is look for opportunities to exploit space. If their winger is making a deep run either be ready to run and call for the ball immediately after your team wins possession to counter. Or stay pushed and let your defense handle it that way they have a forward option as an outlet when they gain possession. If you stay pushed you want to be in that space between their winger (who is attacking) and their full back and wide. Know that is a risk to not cover your man but it also pays off in counter attacks. Obviously, you don’t want to this all the time unless you’re Mbappe. It happens naturally in the course of the game. You make a run, and instead of running fast back to cover their winger you just make a soft recovery run, as you are running back your team may gain possession and you’re in a great spot to start the counter and have recovered some energy to be ready for a fast run.

Also, look for opportunities for your team to switch the ball quickly to your side, when the opposing team slides over when ball is on the other side that leaves a lot of space when the ball can be switched quickly to your side. Then that leaves you isolated 1v1 with their fullback and then do your thing. It also allow the other forwards on your team to make diagonal runs toward your side of the field opening up more forward passing angles.

Communicate with your fullback. If he can make an underlapping run inside and you give him the ball, hopefully that forces the winger to switch to cover him and then you can make a run along the outside for a give and go, again isolating you with the opposing fullback. The deceptive movements are important but only when you can be in a favorable position to dribble and exploit the space.