Transition and Overload

By Sean Reed -

Objective

This session will focus on the transition from an attacking phase to a defending phase with an overload.

Set Up – 1^st Phase

Diagram 1

Set Up

• 12 Outfield players and 2 Goalkeepers
• The pitch is 2x penalty boxes with an extra 5yds
• Team in Red bibs start with 3 players each side of the post
• Team in Black bibs with 2 players to the side and the other 4 (2 either side of the post)
• Player on the side plays a pass from the 1st pole into the GK’s feet then makes run past the 2nd pole to receive the ball from the GK
• Player takes a 1st touch to set for a finish, then strikes on goal

Coaching Points

• Quality of pass into GK
• Movement and angle of support
• 1st touch to create shooting opportunity
• Finish on target

Set Up – 2^nd Phase

Diagram 2

Set Up

• The player who has just taken the shot is now required to defend 2v1
• (Team in Red Bibs) 1st player plays a pass into a 2nd player, then makes an overlapping run round to support
• The 2v1 are attacking and looking to finish on goal
• If the defending player wins possession then they can look score
• This phase ends with either a goal, in GK’s hands or ball out of play

Coaching Point

• Switch of mindset Attacking to defense
• Defender player try to isolate player in possession of the ball and keep them going away from goal
• Attacking players play quickly
• Forward runs to create passing opportunity
• Positive in 1v1 situation
• End product on target

Set Up – 3^rd Phase

Diagram 3

Set Up

• From a 2v1 to a 2v2 situation
• (Team in black bibs) Player on the post must play a pass before attacking
• (Team in red bibs) switch of mindset from defense to attack

Coaching Points

• Play quickly to exploit the mindset and unprepared nature of the opposition
• Be positive and direct in attacking area
• Create space and shooting opportunities
• Forward movement to create situations
• Look to create 2v1 or 1v1 in attacking favour
• Defending maintain supporting and covering distances and angles
• Avoid being isolated
• Keep the attacking player going away from goal

Set Up – 4^th Phase

Diagram 3

Some Coaching Points

• As within the previous phases

By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.

Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed