Overloads in attacking play

Breaking down and dominating the opposition backline is essential if a team is going create genuine goalscoring chances in games.

Opposition teams will often set out looking to adopt a very defensive mindset, especially at the start of matches. Therefore being able being able to find a way through with positive and dynamic overload play is a fantastic weapon to have.

What do I get the players to do?

3v2 in and around the box

In a third of the pitch, we start with two defenders inside and three attackers outside the area. The coach feeds in to a defender, who plays the ball out to an attacker (1a) . This player must link up with his team mates to fashion a 2v1 situation, as highlighted  (1b), overcoming the lone defender then supplying the striker - who is 1v1 – for a positive end product. To keep things fresh we’ll rotate defenders and attackers.

1a

1b

4v3 overload

We divide a 72x44yard space in four. Attackers start in areas 1 and 3, while defenders begin in 2 and 4 - three players in each. The keeper serves into area 1, and an attacker passes through to area 3, with a team mate advancing for a 4v3 overload in that half (2a). Defenders can advance up to the halfway line in attempting to block the attack.

2a

If play is turned over, we either signal a restart or allow the counter-attack (2b).

2b

Overload build-up play

The last game is played in the space between the two penalty areas. The area is split into thirds – clarets set-up as a 4-3-3 while whites are 4-4-2.

Again, the same principles apply, so in the first third it’s 4v2, with two full-backs moving forward with the ball to form a 5v4 overload in the middle zone (3a). In the final third, two progressing midfielders create a new 5v4 (3b). Attackers are therefore always switching overloads in their favour, looking to exploit mini 2v1 situations in each third. We again have the option of restarting with the keeper or allowing a counter-attack to develop in the opposite direction.

3a

3b

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?

We require good movement in manufacturing 2v1 situations at every opportunity, and a worthwhile end product – a shot, pass or cross.

For defenders, shape is important – when repelling a planned attack that starts with the opposition keeper, but also when players have to regroup quickly in the event of a counter-attack.