Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Overloads, Specific practice, Underlaps

Description

Organization (Practice Layout & Transition)

For this, we want to introduce the idea of underlaps as well as overlaps, where a player runs on the inside of the field beyond the wide player who receives the ball to find space in attack, particularly when the wide player is already high up on the defensive line or is being locked in with good defensive pressure. Using the original creating and exploiting overloads drill, we can get our wide player to start high up the field after a switch f play, or from the get go, to allow a striker to pass on the inside making an underlapping run to either pull out a center back or find the pocket of space beyond the wide player who is being occupied by a close fullback. 

Aim - 

For our attackers to utilize the inside space in attack to create a numerical advantage in a dangerous area, the 'cut back zone', to create more attacking chances. 

As seen in the diagram, our triangle of left wing, striker and attacking midfielder will all shift in unison to create one fluid attacking movement and force a 3v 2 around this dangerous area. 

Coaching points - 

Technical - 

Timing and Quality of the Underlapping Run

Players will be encouraged to time their runs to coincide with the ball carrier’s movement, making the underlap a threatening option. The focus will be on running at speed into space and receiving the ball with a controlled first touch that allows immediate progression toward goal or to link with the wide player.

Passing and Combination Play in Tight Areas

The player delivering the ball into the underlapping runner should focus on accuracy and weight of the pass, ensuring it is easy to control under pressure. Emphasis will be on one- or two-touch combinations, using the correct foot to maintain rhythm and exploit the overload without losing momentum. 

Recognizing When to Use the Underlap vs Staying Wide

Players will be encouraged to scan and decide whether to maintain width or make the underlapping run based on the defenders’ positioning. The emphasis is on reading the defensive line and exploiting the space between fullbacks and center-backs, creating unpredictability for the opposition.

Supporting and Creating Overloads in Wide Areas

Players must understand how their movement contributes to the overload. The wide player, fullback, and underlapping runner should coordinate so that the team creates numerical superiority in wide zones. This includes adjusting positions to maintain width, provide passing options, and open channels for penetration into central or half-space areas.