Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Creating and exploiting overloads

Screen 1

Practice small sided game 20 mins

Create and exploit overloads in possession

Welsh way principles :- to understand how to create a numerical advantage and how to use it to create shooting opportunities.

Organisation/Area size

60x40 pitch divided into 3 20x40 zones

Each team consists of 6 outfield players and a GK. Teams set up with 2 defenders 3 midfield and1 striker (this can be amended depending on number of players but should have a defensive overload)

Explanation

The game starts with players having to stay in their zones whilst trying to build play and score a goal. This is left uncoached for 2 mins with the objective to show how difficult it is to create opportunities without creating overloads.

The game then progresses with players being able to move one zone forward. therefore allowing the defenders to support the midfield the midfield to support the striker. Players can only pass the ball forward into the next zone but can then move into that zone to create the overload and support play. Players are not allowed to move back a zone from their original zone. Play always starts with a keeper playing out from the back there is always a 3v1 overload in the defensive zone. No corners but throw ins if the ball goes out on the side lines. 1 common player who can go anywhere.

Progression : Players are now allowed to carry the ball into the next zone utilising the space in front of them where possible.

zonal restrictions lifted for normal play to see if players have understood the session.

How

The coach is to work with one team on how to exploit the opposition by creating overloads. This can be done by making runs or driving into the next zone with the ball. The opposing team will replicate the practice but without being coached. 

Challenges Conditions Targets

Can the attacking team be brave enough to create heavy numerical advantages and exploit those advantages to create 5v3 4v2 and score goals.

Encourage creativity and decision making. use intervention strategies to guide the players.

Encourage quick play by limiting time on the ball bring in offside for realism.

progression attacking team can only play sideways or forwards

Key Points

In possession

keep the ball

find the spare players

make the pitch big

quick passing

weight of pass

forward movement

underlap/overlap

shoot

movement to find space but to also move defenders to create space.

Out of possession

Press quickly

don't let the opposition play through (protect the middle)

leave the furthest player

get back into zones quickly 

Interventions

Concurrent

Walk through

Terminal

coaching process