Overload Back Four Slide

Objective

• -Coach the defensive line sliding across together
• -Maintain distances between defenders
• -Cover and balance behind the pressing player

Setup

1. 1A back line facing three attacking stations across the pitch in a 48 x 38 yards area.
2. 2Split the group so the attacking side always has one spare player, and park the spare bibs on the halfway cone.
3. 3Balls at each attacking station, bibs for the defensive unit.

How to play

1. 1Ball is switched between attacking stations and the line slides across.
2. 2The nearest defender presses while the others tuck in and cover.
3. 3Freeze the picture occasionally to check distances.
4. 4The spare player joins whichever side has the ball, so the attack always works with a plus-one.
5. 5A goal or completed end action counts double if the spare player touched the ball in the build-up.

Progressions

• +Remove the overload for the last two rounds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Give the attack two spare players
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate the spare player every 90 seconds
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -One defender flying out alone
• -Line stretching across the pitch
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle