By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 32 x 42 Yards
Teams: 20 mins
Players: 5 v 5 + 3 + 3
Objectives
- To transition from defense to offense quickly and efficiently using overloads
- To play through the striker
Set-Up
2 teams set up in a 3-1 formation with another 3 players each of to the side. The striker remains in position while the other 3 players will switch out after each attack.
Execution
The game starts by the team in possession passing to the striker. To facilitate the game to start with apply the rule that the defending team can’t intercept the pass, but once the striker receives the ball free play applies. As the team in possession advances the yellow striker stays in their position so there is an overload of 4v3. The team looks to break forward using width, mobility, speed and interchange of positions to look for ways to create goal scoring chances.
As the black team transitions forward the 3 players waiting on the side slide into position as the attacking players look to be creative with either through balls or dummies to allow players behind them to receive the ball.
After the attack, whether the team shoots, scores or gets dispossessed the attacking team curls off to the side and the defending team transition to attack by playing to the striker first and then overloading the defenders 4v3.
Variations
- Add a neutral player who acts as a midfielder so players have an option to pass to them or the striker
- Take the free pass to the striker away
- Set a time limit for the attacking team to shoot on goal
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
