Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Creating and exploiting overloads. u12-u14 session

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Creating and Exploiting Overloads – 15 minutes

Specific / Creating and exploiting overloads / in possession
Understand when and how to exploit a numerical advantage against the opposition.

Organisation / Area size
Area size - 2 x 30m x 20m
5 x blue, 5 red bibs
Football's designated area behind the servers (No. 1)

Session Details
Start with player 1, who plays a one-two with player 2. Player 1 then passes to player 3. After that, player 2 runs around the blue cone and joins player 3 to take on player 4 in a 2 v 1, aiming to score. Repeat the same on the right side after each set. After each round, players move up one station: 1 goes to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, and 4 returns to the back of the line at 1 to restart the cycle.
The coach will focus on possession principles during overloads, working with both sides of the pitch. Emphasize decision-making and how to take advantage of overload situations. An assistant may be needed to help manage the offside rule.
If the defender wins the ball, they can try to score in the mini goal.

Challenges, conditions, and targets
Encourage players to be confident when using a numerical advantage and to find creative ways to move the defender and create space for teammates. In the 2 v 1, ask players to try different ideas and approaches. Apply the offside rule from the beginning.
1. Set a limit on touches.
2. Set a time limit to score to make the practice more realistic.
3. Award an extra point if the defender scores in the mini-goals to keep them motivated.

Key points In possession
1. Look for the spare player.
2. Exploit the numerical advantage.
3. Use the full width and depth of the pitch.
4. Pass quickly and move forward.
6. Make good decisions, especially with the weight of the final pass to set up a first-time finish.

Out of possession.
1. Press quickly.
2. Protect the middle.
3. Leave the furthest player unmarked.
4. Block the passing lanes.
5. Block the shot.

Interventions
Coaching process
Concurrent
Walkthrough
Terminal