Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): General Practice 8 - Overloads

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Paolo Frau

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Name:	Paolo Frau
City:	Fossano
Country:	Italy
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Double Box Possession Game

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Double Box Possession Game (15 mins)

General Practice 8 - Out of Possession/ Overloads

Organisation/ Area Size

40x40 area with 10 players, 2 teams and 2 mini goals

Explanation & How

Possession exercise that begins with an inner square, featuring a 4v2 possession scenario. If the team in possession completes 8 consecutive passes, they score a point and can exit to earn an extra point by scoring in one of the mini-goals. However, the remaining players from the opposing team can press and attempt to steal the ball.

If the team with numerical disadvantage recovers the ball within the small square, they must play with their teammates outside, creating a numerical advantage (6v4) and needing 10 consecutive passes to earn 1 point.

Challenges, progressions, conditions and targets

- Begin with 4v2 possession in a small square, then increase the challenge by adding conditions like requiring more consecutive passes or introducing additional defenders gradually.

Rotate players between the inner square and the outer area to create different numerical advantages/disadvantages, fostering adaptability and understanding of various scenarios.

Implement specific pressing conditions for the team out of possession, such as limiting their pressing time or allowing only certain players to press, to enhance defensive strategies and decision-making.

Key coaching points:
Overloads
Defending overloads;
Quick ball circulation;
Finding the free player in possession;
Swift adjustment between on-ball and off-ball behaviors.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Coach Refelection

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Coach Refelection

1. How were you able to affect the individuals in the practice?

You helped players improve their understanding of overload scenarios both in and out of possession. Players learned to circulate the ball quickly, find free teammates, and adjust effectively between attacking and defensive roles. By rotating roles and adding conditions (e.g., consecutive passes or limited pressing), you encouraged adaptability, decision-making, and teamwork under pressure.

2. What can be done to make sure you have the same, or an even better, impact next time?

To maintain or enhance your impact, consider providing individual feedback on specific moments during the practice, such as a player’s positioning or decision-making. Incorporate video analysis or pause moments to reflect on team performance. Introducing slight variations in the conditions, such as time constraints for passes or expanding the square, can keep players engaged and challenged.

3. What’s the main thing you can do to make the session even better next time?

To improve the session, you could emphasize communication among players to better handle overloads and defensive transitions. Add a layer of complexity by requiring more creative patterns to escape defensive pressure, such as mandatory one-touch passes or diagonal switches. Also, consider integrating more game-realistic transitions where players quickly shift roles between attack and defense.