Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 2016 Black/2016 White: Using the ST in Overloads (Start Time: 2025-12-08 14:40:00)
Description
This session teaches players how to recognize when and how to use a striker to create and exploit overloads. Players first work through small-sided phases that reward proper timing, support angles, and striker decision-making. The main focus is helping attackers understand when to play into the striker, when the striker should turn, and when the striker should hold and connect play. Defenders are challenged to deny central access, manage cover, and react quickly in transition.
The session finishes with a high-tempo quarter-field 3v3 + ST competition using a tiered point system that reinforces correct striker involvement and punishes poor defensive pressure. This creates constant repetitions of the core theme in an intense, game-realistic environment.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
20 mins
Activity: 2-Box Wave Game With Locked Strikers
Organization:
Use half a field divided into two boxes/zones.
Each team has:
Two attackers starting in their own half
One striker (ST) locked in the opponent’s half (cannot drop back)
Two defenders remain in the striker’s half.
Coach starts each wave with a ball to one attacking pair.
Explanation:
Play starts as a 2v1 in the first zone.
The attacking team looks to break pressure and play into their ST in the opposite half.
The moment the ball enters the striker’s half, the two attackers join to create a 3v2.
Play ends after a goal or the ball going out.
Two defenders stay, and:
The team that scores stays on as the attacking team.
The waiting team rotates in from the opposite side for the next wave.
Key Coaching Points (KCP):
For the Attackers:
Play forward early: Look for the moment the striker is available.
Timing of support: Enter the striker’s half as the pass travels.
Combination play: Use give-and-go’s, set-backs, and overlaps to exploit the 3v2.
For the Striker:
Recognize when to turn vs. when to hold the ball:
If pressure is tight, protect it and link play.
If the defender is square or late, turn quickly to attack.
Body shape: Stay open to see both pressure and supporting runs.
Communication: Cue teammates to play into feet or space.
For the Defenders:
First defender pressures aggressively.
Second defender covers central and blocks the striker’s turning lane.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
25 mins
Activity 3: 3v3 + Strikers — Quarter Field
Scoring Based on Striker Involvement**
Organization
Use a quarter field: approx. 20–25 yards long x 18–20 yards wide.
One small goal to attack (or a big goal split into lanes).
3v3 in the main zone.
1 Striker (ST) per team positioned on the attacking end line:
Cannot drop back into the main zone.
Plays only inside the final few yards.
A third team of 3 waits to rotate in.
Coach restarts play at high tempo with balls on the side.
Rules & Point System
1. Normal Goal (No ST Involved) → 1 Point
Team scores without using the striker.
Allowed, but lowest value.
2. Goal Involving the ST → 2 Points
Examples:
Up → Back → Through to another attacker
ST lays it off, teammates finish
ST receives but doesn’t turn (sets back)
Reward for correct connection & combination.
3. ST Turns and Scores → 3 Points
Highest reward.
ST receives on the turn and finishes immediately.
Encourages reading pressure and punishing defenders who arrive late or off-balance.
4. Counter Goal (Defenders Winning Ball → Mini Goal) → 1 Point
Keeps transition behavior sharp.
5. Rotation System
Games last 1–2 minutes.
Winner stays on, loser rotates off.
If tied, the team that stayed longest rotates off.
Key Coaching Points
Striker
Scan early before receiving.
Play on the half-turn when defender is late or off-balance.
Hold when pressure is tight → set back → trigger combinations.
Body positioning: side-on, arm out, protect space.
Midfield 3
Provide layers of support (close, mid, far).
Check hips: be ready to accelerate when ST receives.
Immediate reaction after bounce pass: 3rd man runs.
Take advantage of timing and openings created by the striker’s decision.
Defending Team
Deny central passes into ST.
First defender closes aggressively; second manages cover.
On winning ball → immediate counter to mini goal.
Play animation
Play step-by-step
Repeat (toggle)
Full Screen
Pause
Stop
20 mins
Activity: 3v2 Wave Game Through the Striker
Organization:
Use half a field with one big goal on one side and four mini goals on the opposite side (two for each team).
Set up two Blue lines, one on each attacking side.
Set up two Red lines in the central corridor (defenders).
One Blue striker (ST) stays on the field for the entire round as the overload player.
Coach stands at midfield with balls to start each wave.
Explanation:
Coach plays a ball to one of the Blue attackers in line.
Blue attacker dribbles in and combines with the ST to create a 3v2 attack toward the big goal.
As soon as the ball is played, the first two Reds enter from the central corridor to defend.
Once the attack finishes (goal, save, or out of play):
The two Blues rotate to the opposite side, ready to attack the mini goals.
The two Reds return to their line.
Coach immediately plays a ball to the opposite Blue side, creating a new wave attacking toward the mini goals.
ST remains on the field and helps whichever Blue side is currently attacking.
Waves continue back and forth at high tempo.
Key Coaching Points (KCP):
Use the striker early: Bounce passes, set-backs, wall passes, and quick combinations to break pressure.
Timing: Supporting runs should arrive as the striker receives; don’t crowd the space too early.
Decision-making: Recognize when to play through the striker vs. when to attack space yourself.
Finishing: Be direct once the overload is created — quick shots, rebounds, second chances.
Defending (Reds): Nearest player presses the ball, second defender provides cover and defends the striker touch.