Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: overl

overl DRILLS
View All

2 v 1 overlap switch

Two attacking players against one defender. The player who starts with the ball passes the ball square to the other player. This player runs towards the defender (isolating the defender) allowing the other player to loop round and overlap them to receive the ball in the space created. After receiving the pass this player should then have a shot at goal.

Shooting

3 man weave

3 players run down the pitch, passing and interchanging to finish with a shot at goal. Player in the middle starts with the ball. They pass the ball to one of the outside players and overlaps around them. The second player passes the ball to the player on the other side and overlaps around them. Each player receives the ball from the same player every time and they should overlap around the player they pass to. 

Passing and Receiving

Decision-making and creating the overlap

The player stood on the half-way line passes to the player up field and then runs in to create an overlapping run. The player on the ball can choose to: Take on their defender. Pass to the supporting striker. Pass to the overlapping player. The attackers should play out the drill and try to score.

Crossing and Finishing

Keep On Running

Stand next to the middle cone. Sprint forwards 10 metres to the first cone, turning sharply as you reach it, before sprinting 20 metres to the far cone. Sprint back 20 metres to the second cone and finish by running past the start cone. Players should cover 60 metres in total. Complete 10 full shuttles, with 30 seconds rest between each run.

Agility

Loop overlap and shoot

The first player plays a one-two pass with player 2, who passes back in front of player 1's looping run. Player 1 then dribbles with the ball either to the half-way line or the by-line where they then: either pass to player 3 on the half-way line who then dribbles to the outside of the 16 yard box and shoot or cross the ball into the box for the attacking player to attack.

Passing and Receiving

Overlap to Attack!

Play across half a pitch. Each team must have 3 defenders and two centre forwards. Players must follow their own passes forward, with the intention of overlapping to receive the return pass.

Conditioned games

Pass out

Starting in a 6 vs 3 (in favour of the defending side) a feeder player on the half-way line plays a high ball deep into the half. The defending side must get the ball quickly under control and then aim to pass the ball out back to the feeder as quickly as possible.

Passing and Receiving

Quick deep pass - Outnumber the defenders

Working on playing a quick pass to the deepest player on your team. Using the route one pass to quickly outnumber the opposition's defence. After receiving the hard pass from the midfield player (red 3) the players should try to shake off the defender before then deciding to either play the pass to one of their team-mates or going it alone. Finish the drill with an attempt at goal.

Passing and Receiving

switch overlap

set out 2 lines of cones towards the goal. Players go in pairs 1 ball between them. player on the right dribbles across the grid with the ball the other player runs round the back and overlaps with this player. The player on the ball passes the ball to the other player when the player has crossed over to the other side of the grid. Exercise repeats all the way to the end and one of the players finishes with a shot at goal.

Passing and Receiving

Width and Forward Runs

Place 5 cones across the middle of the area, 10 yards in from each sideline. Play 4 vs 4. The ball is not allowed to travel through or over the discs. The object of the game is to get the ball wide in the near side of the field and attack the flanks of the attacking area. Although the ball is not allowed to travel over the discs, players may make runs over the discs.

Conditioned games

Change over dribble Dribbling ...

Working with one ball between two players start on opposite cones. The first player dribbles the ball to the end cone whilst the other player jogs past them to the other cone. On reaching the far cone the player with the ball turns and plays a flat, driven pass to the other player on the cone.

General

Pass, up and over! Passing and...

Players work inside a 10 meter long grid with one ball divided into three. The players on the outside pass the ball into the middle player who passes the ball straight back. When the outside players receives the return ball they play it first time, passing a lofted pass over the top of the middle player to the opposite outside player who controls the ball and then repeats the drill from the other side.

General

Overlap to Attack! Conditioned...

Play across half a pitch. Each team must have 3 defenders and two centre forwards.Players must follow their own passes forward, with the intention of overlapping to receive the return pass.

General

Step over drag turn - Stage 1 ...

This is the first stage of a sequence of practices for the player to learn a skill with the step over as part of it. <BR>The player moves on the spot (happy feet) with a ball in front of them on a whistle or command they step over the ball and return to happy feet<BR>

General

Double step over and push away...

In this practice the player performs a sequence of 2 steps in a particular move the first step being the step out and the 2nd a step over the ball <BR>

General

Overloading Conditioned games ...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. The defending zone and attacking zone have 2 defenders and 2 attackers in each zone. The midfield channel has 2 neutral (no.10) players inside. The defenders receive the ball from the goalkeeper and play through to one of the neutral midfield players (with the attacking players trying to stop this). The neutral players then play into the attacking players and join the attacking zone to create a 3v2 overload. Try to score in the opposition goal. Progression 1: Neutral players are split iinto one player for each team (i.e. one becomes blue, one red). These players are unnoposed to begin with in the central channel (but this makes only one midfield player to play into from the defensive zone).Progression 2: Central zone players become opposed (i.e. the opposition midfield player can intercetpt etc). The ball can be set back from the midfield players into the defensive players to play through into the attacking zone. Progression 3: The midfield players can drop into the defensive zone to make a 3v2 overload.

General

Overloading attack Conditioned...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. 2 defenders in the defending zone, 1 midfielder in the middle zone and 2 attackers in the attacking zone. Again, the non passing defender enters the midfield zone to create an overload. Either player located in the midfield zone can then enter the attacking zone to create another overload.

General

Football: Advancement of full ...

Objective: To defend against a winger or opposite full back overlappingDetail:This practice uses 7 players (2 full backs 2 wide players 1 CB 1 Att 1 GK)Use the same area/side of the pitch as above.Serving full back serves the ball from half way line. Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside of 18 yard box.Attacking full back passes the ball to wide player. As ball travels defending full back pressurises ball. Full back can now pass to centre forward or overlapping full back.Defending centre back and wide player are added.Full Back: Having pressured wide player, if opposing full back overlaps, defensive full back tracks overlapping run.If wide player passes or dribbles inside to centre forward full back tucks in close to centre back.Wide Player: If full back overlaps, wide player to pressurise opposing wide player and force the ball down the line.Centre Back: Move within 10 yards of full back to remain compact whilst positioning ball side of centre forward.

General

4 Goal Channelling Defending -...

6 vs 6 game with 2 Floaters (who can play for whichever team has the ball).Set up an area the size of one half of the pitch. In each corner and in the middle, position 2 cones to make 5 mini goals.Also have 6 players stood around the outside of the area, who the ball can be passed to and from.After the first game, switch one of the teams out and have the outside 6 come in and form a team. Rotate round like this so they each play each other.Play 3 mins each of attacking, 3 times (9 mins in total each, 27 mins overall).

General

6 vs 2 Invasion Game Defending...

High Intensity drillThis a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

General

Defensive Unit Work Defending ...

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players.Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yardsOpposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game.Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked &quot;1&quot; and then in the goals marked &quot;2&quot;).Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals.The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
overl SESSIONS
View All

Introducing the Overlap - Overlapping Attack!

Create the extra man with the attacking overlap - a fluid and attacking style of passing football for all players - defence, midfield or strikers

Training for Pre-Season: Pass and Move

Pre-season training doesn't have to be boring! Use the 5 drills in this fitness plan to get your players back in shape and improving their passing game.

Using the overlap to create goal scoring opportunities

Does your attack run out of momentum due to a lack of support from other players? If so practice the overlap to create more scoring opportunities.

Improving body positioning and shaping of runs

Keep the attacking fire burning and get your players opening up their body, thinking about their first touch and angling their runs up field

Attacking with an Extra Man

Create an overload in attack by providing support to attack with an extra man. Use this session to help your forwards plus develop your defenders defending capabilities with one less player.

Supporting front players in the final third

Play with the ball in the final third. Create sustained attacking pressure by working on the timing of runs and developing the players passing skills.

Decision Making In & Around The Box

Improve combinations in wide areas and finishing in around the box!

Attacking Movement, 1v1 Confidence and Overload Play

Technical 1v1 practice and overload games session, designed to improve confidence on the ball, get players making better attacking runs and prepare your team for match day

Possession Games: Defending against Overloads!

Teach your players how to hold up a counter-attack and cover at the back in this games based session.

Defending Overloads in Flank Areas

Attack minded full-backs are the new trend in football so make sure your defence are prepped to deal with the overloads on the flanks.

Individual Finishing - Penalty Area

How good is it to know that if you main man gets a chance, he’s going to put it away!? Develop your forwards into composed, ruthless finishers within the 18-yard box.

Defending When Outnumbered

When you do get caught on the break, make sure your defenders know their roles to slow the attacks down for the support to get back.

Combination Play

Put all your players on the same wavelength and see them combine all the way up the pitch to build sustained attacks that can cut through any defence.

Combination Play for U9s and under

Use this junior session to develop positive passing, support runs and highlight the importance of good verbal communication.

Turnover - Recovering after losing possession

Don't get caught out by a quick counter-attacking team! React quickly, hold up the ball and reorganize your back line to box out their striker
overl ANSWERS
View All

Private Coaching - Session Ide...

Hi guys, I've got one of my best players come to me with his father and ask if I could hold a 1hr30mins session for just him to improve his football overall. He's got good ability, so does anyone have session ideas I could implement aswell as techniques to use when coaching one on one, as I've not done it before?

Oliver Perkins Coach, England

How to get players to talk to ...

How would you encourage your players to start talking to each other during game? This lack of communication at times is a hinderance to their overall play

Archived User Coach

Goalkeeping | Sportplan

My goal keeper can't jump very well, any ideas how to improve this ?

Archived User Coach

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
overlapheadingsoccerpre seasonpassingshootingwarm upsession planspossessiondefendingfirst touchgoalkeepercornersdribblingcreating spacewarm upscrossing3rd man runfitnessbarca

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create professional soccer coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested soccer plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of soccer coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT