The attacking team has an overload but can the defending team use their players to create their own overload and win the ball back so they can score?
Why use it
Overloads are a common thing in youth soccer and this session shows players how to take control of the session.
Set up
You need balls, bibs, cones and two goals. Set up an area 30 x 20 yards. We used 10 players in the session
How to do it
Set your players up in 6 attackers v 4 defenders arranged as 3 attackers v 2 defenders in each half of the pitch. The two zones are separated by a strip 5 yards wide that the attackers cannot cross, but the defenders can. This means the defenders can change the 3v2 into 3v3 or 3v4 depending on where the ball is and where the players are. The coach plays into one of the 3v2s and they must make 3 passes before trying to put the ball into one of the target goals or they pass to their team mates in the other zone. This will be an option if more defenders come across and stop the attackers from scoring but leaving the other side of the area open for a pass. If the defenders win the ball they can try and score immediately
Technique
Movement, first touch, passing, pressing and anticipation.
1. The coach passes into one of the 3v2s and the game starts with the attackers trying to make 3 passes before they can shoot
2. Here good closing down by a defender from the other side forces the attacker to play across to his teammate in the other half
3. Defenders can cross the central zone but the attackers cannot so the defending team must use clever tactics to increase the pressure without leaving one side open
4. The attacking team must make use of the ball and pass into the other zone when they can
5. If the defending team wins the ball they can immediately try to score
Young players need to have success in training or they will not know what to do in matches – this session gives them time to think about exploiting the final third MORE
Transitions are a vital part of match play - players must react quickly to winning or losing the ball because in these instances games are won or lost. It is vital that as soon as the ball is won or lost teams react instantly. An attacking team that has lost the ball must work hard to immediately win it back and a team that has won the ball must attack at pace. MORE
It is important to press defenders and not give them chance to play long passes that can catch an unwary defence out. Coaching players to force the player at the back to play short gives chances for team mates to push on and win possession. MORE
When you hear mentor's talking about getting your coaching point across to get the best out of your players, one of the ways to ensure all your players are tuning into your coaching is to use small-sided games. In these games you get a much clearer picture of which players are picking up on the coaching points you have been making. MORE
This is a good session to teach players to shoot or combine to shoot quickly from varied distances under pressure. The more players shoot, the more chance the team has of scoring goals. MORE