OVERLOADS IN ADVANCED AREAS | G2P | OPPOSED (46-P2)
Set Up / Objectives
This skill practice builds on the Man City ‘Overloads In Advanced Areas‘ theme, developing our previous Technical passing practice (46-P1). Here we have 2 v 1 in both deeper and advanced areas, with a 1 v 1 in the central zone. Objective is for 2 defenders to combine in 1 or 2 touches to play into central player.
Central player can only move into wider zone after pass has been made (unopposed), emphasising weight of pass and timing of run. Central player must then play forward into 2 attacking players (2 v 1) who must score in 2 passes in one of 2 mini goals. If the defending team wins the ball, can they score in mini goal as a 3?
Attacking Emphasis65%65%
Defending Emphasis35%35%
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Key Objectives
This shows how units can create pocket overloads to break defensive lines in the midfield and attacking thirds. We can see from this situation between City and Chelsea during the 2017-2018 Season, how Pep attempts to create an overload in the half spaces (pockets).
Birds Eye View | From Game to Practice to Game
We can view the area of the pitch in which this session would be positioned, placing the practice into context for both players and coaches. Our number 10 (De Bruyne) in the example drops into the space, and Silva (11) makes run in behind.
Zoom In | Quick Combination Play
A closer look shows clearly the passing options in possession and the challenge faced by defenders. Focus on creating space to play forward and movement into spaces to receive advance. Possible progressions could include the 10 is now opposed and so will have to wriggle out of trouble in central areas and 10 and 11 can rotate with 11 dropping off the shoulder to receive in central zone space to play forward.. Be creative!
Key Coaching Points
Social | Understand teammates positional play
Technical | Penetration passes to break defensive line
Psychological| Positive focus, recognising when to be patient and when to play forward quickly
Q&A
Is my central player finding the space they need to play forward?
How does my constraints influence the game and do we need to amend further?
Where are player showing initiative to solve problems witheir own solutions?
This is Play at Home Practice 7 and is a soccer drill that is focused on developing power and finishing technique.
Attacking Emphasis100%100%
Defending Emphasis0%0%
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Focus on developing power and strength with jumps over hurdles, before movement and first touch that prepares players to finish into corner of goal. The objective is to maintain technique in the physical jumping phase and in the movement to receive and finishing technique.
Key Coaching Points
Physical: Power over hurdles Physical: Sharp movement to receive first touch Technique: Finishing low into corners
Q&A
– How can I move quickly to receive the ball where I want it? – How do I play on different sides with my weaker and stronger foot? How can I improve?
Practice 5 works on individual player’s movement to lose what would be opposition to receive, move the ball and finish quickly. In addition we include finishing and movement practices to enable players to combine these different elements.
Attacking Emphasis100%100%
Defending Emphasis0%0%
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Key Coaching Points 1: Movement to receive
Focus on movement off the angle of the pole, check shoulders to develop the habit to check for defenders who will you press you in games and take ball out of your feet on 1 touch to attack space and finish.
Progression 1: Physical Focus (Power / Speed)
After shot, player must sprint to corner and jump hurdles two footed to develop power, before sprinting through ladders using quick feet and then sprint through to the end pole.
Link to the Game
For older players, think about how these skills can link to their game in whatever position players play in. It’s important that skills are transferrable to the game where they can be applied in a game situaton.
Key Coaching Points
– Technical: First touch and finishing – Physical: Body Shape to play forward – Physical: Speed and Balance in between stations
Q&A
– How can I move into position qiuckly to give myself time on the ball? – How can I maintain technique over hurdles and ladders and maintain speed?
Football Practice 4 of our ‘Play at Home’ Series combines working on your touch, movement off the ball to open your body and check shoulders, running with the ball and quick feet in ladders.
Attacking Emphasis100%100%
Defending Emphasis0%0%
Age Group
Number of Players
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Key Coaching Points 1
Focus on your first touch and movement off the angle of poles to receive on your back foot to be able to drive into space. It is crucial you get into the habit of checking shoulders as you will in a game situation, to ensure you have space to drive into and can see pressing defenders.
Progression 1: Speed Challenge
Now we can begin to introduce your speed of movement whilst maintaining technique in each step. Give yourself a score for each correctly performed technique together with the time it takes you to complete the course.
Key Coaching Points
Technical: Short side foot passing Technical: Movement to take first touch forward Physical: Quick feet and speed between poles
Q&A
– How can you ensure your movement allows you to take the first touch in front? – How can you vary sprints between ladders and poles? – How else can you take the ball to break into space?
This practice incorporates many different principles to engage players at home. We begin with some ladder work using whatever sequence you think your player needs to work on, before a bounce pass is played. After this initial pass, player must move quickly to get themselves into a position to receive a second pass to control and play off a rebound board. This must be through the poles shown and firm enough to return the bounce on one touch and play another pass off the rebound board at the opposite end.
As the ball is returned the player must then look to finish in a goal, before moving to perform right and left foot hops in the 4 hoops. On completing this, the player must dribble the ball and finish in no more than 3 touches at the opposite end.
Attacking Emphasis100%100%
Defending Emphasis0%0%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points 1
Focus on individual technique in each area of the practice, with a lot of variation in player movement and skill execution. It’s very easy to just go for speed and forget technique, but it is crucial you focus on getting this right first with both feet before focusing on speed.
Progression 1
Now you are fine with your technique and you have made progress from the beginning of the soccer drill, you can now begin to challenge yourself by setting targets for accuracy and time.
Key Coaching Points 2
It is crucial to reiterate that technique over speed is the main objective here. You can steadily increase your speed without sacrificing technique and you will start to see big improvements in your, dribbling, passing and finishing.
Key Coaching Points
– Technical: Running with ball close control – Passing and finishing accuracy – Balance and speed to accel and decel as neccesary between exercises.
Q&A
– What skill do I need to work on most and how? – How does speed influence my technique and how can I adjust?
