Overload Numbers Up Shape Game

Objectives

• -Hold shape while outnumbered
• -Coach compactness under sustained pressure
• -Reward organised defending with a counter chance

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a goal to defend and two counter goals on halfway in a 46 x 36 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 with the attacking team, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

1. 1The attacking team has a two-player advantage.
2. 2The defending team stays compact and counters into the halfway goals.
3. 3Swap roles every five minutes.
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.

Common mistakes

• -Chasing the ball out of shape
• -No outlet after winning the ball
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle