Rotations and Overloads

To develop player understanding of positional rotations and overload creation in build-up and attacking phases.

• Set up a thin pitch divided into two vertical halves or zones. Players are fixed in each zone. • One half has a full-sized goal and the other has two mini goals. • The red team needs to build from the goalkeeper and can use the neutral player (the 6) to build. They are aiming to progress and score in the mini goals. • The yellow team must press and attempt to steal the ball then go to goal. The neutral players play with the team in possession. • When the time is correct, the red team can go forward through a dribble or pass. • To help this progression, encourage players to rotate positions fluidly, particularly in midfield and wide channels. The objective is to create and exploit overloads in central or wide zones to break lines and progress into the final third. • Zones can be highlighted that can serve as a coaching aid for the rotation. • Reds have 5 players in the second zone (including the neutral 9) against 4 defenders. If the yellow team only defend the wide zones then the ball can be played directly into the neutral 9. • When possession is lost, immediate counter-pressing is encouraged to regain control.