Overloads

activity

We set up in an area of 72x30 yards running through the middle of the pitch. The area is split into 18-yard areas at each end, with three 6yd zones in the middle of the pitch. This can obviously be adapted to be smaller or larger as required.

We generally train with 20 outfielders, split into two teams of ten, and two goalkeepers, so this format works well with these numbers but can easily be adapted as required. The players working in the playing area are split into two defenders, two midfielders and one forward. The other five players in each team will double up in these positions and rest on the sides. 

In this example, the red team are set up to attack the blues. The aim for the reds is to build up from the back with the spare player and play through the pitch to finish at goal.

To start, the two defenders and the goalkeeper look to build past the blue team’s striker (2v1+GK) in the build-up zone highlighted. They then try to break the next line by bypassing the two players in the screening zone and finding the two players in the receiving zone [1a]

[1a]

1. The two red defenders and goalkeeper look to build past the blue team’s striker (2v1 +GK) in the build-up zone

2. Reds break the next line by by passing the two players in the screening zone and finding the two players in the receiving zone 

If the pressing striker or two screeners manage to win the ball back, they initiate a 3v2 attack to goal immediately [1b]. Once this attack is complete, the red defenders and GK will get a chance to begin their build-up process again. 

Once the players in the receiving zone or the striker receive the ball, they must attack the defenders as quickly as possible and try to take advantage of their 3v2 overload [1c].   

If the defenders win the ball back, they can find passes into the mini goals nearest to them [1d]. 

[1b]

1. If the pressing striker or two screeners manage to win the ball back, they initiate a 3v2 attack to goal immediately

[1c]

1. Reds attack the defenders as quickly as possible and try to take advantage of their 3v2 overload  

[1d]

1. If the defenders win the ball back, they can find passes into the mini-goals nearest to them  

Once the first ball has been played to a finish, a second ball will be played in for a more controlled 3v2 situation around the box (same rules apply) [1e]. 

Once the second ball is finished, there will be a combination and cross from outside the area for the three attackers and two defenders to compete for inside the box [1f].

[1e]

1. After first ball is played to a finish, a second ball will be played in for a more controlled 3v2 situation around the box (same rules apply)

[1f]

1. Once the second ball is finished, there will be a combination and cross from outside the area for the three attackers and two defenders to compete for inside the box

After the cross, the same process begins in the opposite direction, with the blue team attacking the reds.

Once the practice has flowed in both directions once, the working players rest off the pitch and the resting players come into the area for their turn. 

Scores are kept throughout and the winning team is the one with most goals at the end.

There are numerous options to adapt and progress this session based on the outcomes intended. It is possible to adapt the numbers in the practice to add a different dynamic. As an example, you could make the practice more even-numbered or you could increase the numbers to 3v2 into 4v3. We also adapt the number of players and combinations on the side to create the crossing situation.

coaching points

What are the key things to look out for?

For the attacking team:

• Drawing the striker into the ball to release the spare man with time and space to step into the next line
• The spare player making the right choice to break the midfield line and serve the attacking players well. Generally, the choice is between going down the outside of the two screeners if they are narrow or splitting through the middle of them if they are too pre-occupied with the pocket players
• Closing up quickly to protect the goal if the ball is lost
• Receiving players positioning on the shoulders of the screeners to receive between the lines; receiving skills between the lines to get turned and attack the 3v2 at speed
• Attacking the 3v2 as vertically as possible but with clarity on our 3v2 principles; generally, we will look to isolate one defender 2v1 to either score or cross for the third player, and if they match up the 2v1, then the principle is to find the opposite side for a finish
• Quick reactions to counter-press if the ball is lost
• Filling the frame of the goal with the box movements (we are generally looking for the frame of the goal, cutback and back post spaces to be aggressively attacked).

For the defending team:

• Look out for the reverse of all the principles mentioned.

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

The defending team can find it really difficult to defend when underloaded, especially the striker defending against two players and the goalkeeper. It is, therefore, important that the striker and two screening players get a transition ball whenever they win the ball back. It can also be helpful to give extra transition balls to the attackers (even on defensive moments when they don’t regain the ball cleanly) to avoid any frustration.