Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): creating and exploiting overloads (Start Time: 2024-12-17 10:45:00)

Block 1

Block 1

This block focuses on using ball speed and off-the-ball movement to create overloads effectively.

• Ball speed: Quick and precise ball movement is crucial for exploiting numerical advantages in specific areas of the pitch.
• Off-the-ball movement: Players must recognise opportunities to attack with superior numbers, such as creating 3v2, 4v2, or 2v1 situations, by moving into spaces to generate an overload.
• Finding the spare player: Identifying and utilising the spare player is essential. Players should also aim to position themselves as the spare player, which forces the defending team to apply pressure, opening up spaces for others to exploit.

Coaching Points 

• As the ball travels to one FB, can the other FB invert into the midfield creating a box in the midfield creating an overload . 
• #10 pushes up on the highest line playing in between the CB and FB.
• #8 pushes up and plays on the outside shoulder of the far side CB.
• Find spare player in the wide areas if required.

SSG (15 mins)

Dimensions: Full half-pitch

Numbers: 18 players, including 2 goalkeepers (9v9)

Session Principle: Creating and exploiting overloads to gain a tactical and numerical advantage during play.

Key Coaching Points:

• When and how to exploit numerical advantages: Recognise the right moments to capitalise on overloads, such as creating 2v1 or 3v2 situations in different areas of the pitch.
• Finding the spare player: Identify and use the unmarked player to maintain attacking momentum.
• Player movement: Encourage players to move intelligently off the ball to create overload opportunities.
• Interchanging positions: Promote fluidity by allowing players to switch roles and positions to unsettle the opposition.
• Committing opponents: Draw defenders toward the ball to isolate and exploit other areas.
• Ball speed: Emphasize quick and precise ball movement to take advantage of spaces before the opposition can react.

Coaching Focus:

• Blue Team: Set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, working backward.
  • 1 goalkeeper
  • 2 full-backs
  • 2 central midfield pivots
  • Attacking players: No. 11 (left winger), No. 7 (right winger), No. 10 (attacking midfielder), No. 9 (striker)

Managing Focus:

• Red Team: Set up in a 4-3-3 formation, working backward.
  • 1 goalkeeper
  • Back four (defensive line)
  • Midfield three
  • No. 9 as the central striker

Game Targets:

• Blue Team: Aim to create and exploit overloads in key areas to break down the red team’s defence and score goals. Focus on attacking areas and isolating defenders to create scoring opportunities.
• Red Team: Defend compactly to limit the blue team’s ability to create overloads. On gaining possession, quickly transition and aim to score by counterattacking effectively.