The Aim:

Help players recognise, create and exploit overloads in attacking areas by using quick support, movement off the ball, forward passing, overlaps, underlaps and third-player runs.

 

Start Drill: Small-Sided Games with Built-In Overloads

Set-up: Organise small-sided games with two goals.

Create a clear overload for the team you are coaching, such as 4v3, 5v4 or by using a neutral player who plays for the team in possession.

How it works:

The attacking team must try to use the extra player to progress the ball and create a scoring chance.

The defending team should be encouraged to recover, delay and protect the goal so the attackers must make quick decisions.

• Encourage the player on the ball to commit a defender before passing.

• Support players should create angles ahead, behind and wide of the ball.

• Look for quick combinations to exploit 2v1 or 3v2 situations before the defence can recover.

• Reward goals that come from successfully using the overload.

 

Progression: 8v8 in Three Zones

Set-up: Divide the pitch into three horizontal or vertical zones, depending on the overload you want to coach.

Play 8v8, with the defending team restricted to their starting zones while the attacking team can move freely between zones.

 

Purpose: This restriction gives the attacking team opportunities to create overloads by moving players into different zones, while the defenders must stay compact and communicate to manage the disadvantage.

• Attackers should scan before receiving to identify where the overload can be created.

• Use quick switches of play to move the ball away from pressure.

• Encourage midfield or wide players to arrive in another zone at the right time to create a temporary numerical advantage.

• Coach supporting runs such as overlaps, underlaps and third-player movements.

• If the overload is not available, encourage players to recycle possession and create a new one.

 

Finish: 11v9 Game

Set-up: Finish with an 11v9 game to give the coached team a realistic attacking overload.

The 11-player team should practise the techniques developed earlier, while the 9-player team defends with discipline and tries to counter when they regain possession.

 

Challenge: The attacking team must recognise where the spare player is, move the ball quickly to that area, and turn the overload into a shot or clear goal-scoring opportunity.

 

Key Coaching Points

• Create 2v1s or 3v2s quickly before defenders can recover.

• Use good body shape to play forward when possible.

• Commit defenders by driving forward with the ball.

• Support the ball carrier with clear passing angles.

• Move the ball quickly with one- and two-touch combinations when appropriate.

• Use overlaps, underlaps and third-player runs to break defensive lines.

• Counter-press immediately if possession is lost to stop the opposition exploiting space.

 

Coach Interventions

• Stop: Freeze play when an overload is available but not recognised.

• Show: Demonstrate the supporting positions and passing options that create the advantage.

• Rehearse: Restart the phase and let players practise the decision again at match speed.

• Play: Allow the game to continue and observe whether players apply the learning independently.