Overload Build-Up Shape

Objective

• -Build from the keeper through the thirds
• -Create angles that beat the first line of press
• -Recognise when to go long instead

Setup

1. 1A defensive third with a goal, a back line and midfield support in a 48 x 40 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 in the goal, two sets of bibs, target gates on halfway.

How to play

1. 1The keeper starts every rep and the back line splits wide.
2. 2The team plays through the press and dribbles through a halfway gate to score.
3. 3If the press wins it, they attack the goal immediately.
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

• -Playing out for the sake of it
• -Full backs too narrow and deep
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle