Chelsea Hexagonal Overload

Instructions/Setup:

This possession practice focuses on creating and exploiting overloads in central areas of the pitch. When the blue team is in possession, they can use the 3 outside players to form a 6v4 overload, allowing for more passing options and space to build up play. The emphasis is on maintaining possession and finding the right opportunities to progress the ball forward.

Once the white team wins possession, the focus shifts to retaining the ball in a 4v3 scenario in the central area. The white team must work together to keep the ball and break the opposition’s pressure while exploiting the overload in the middle of the pitch.

Coaching Notes:

• Creating Overloads: Encourage the attacking team to stretch the field and use the extra players on the outside to pull the defending team out of shape.

• Quick Transitions: Upon winning possession, the defending team must transition quickly to ensure they can exploit the numerical advantage and retain possession in the central area.

• Ball Movement and Support: Players should focus on quick, sharp passes and offer continuous support to maintain possession and prevent the opposition from closing down options.

• Patience and Decision-Making: Emphasize patience in possession when overloaded, with players making intelligent decisions to either retain the ball or exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense.

Progression 1: Restrict Space for Defenders:

Place a marker in the central area to limit the space available for defenders, making it more challenging for them to regain possession.

Focus: Increases pressure on defenders and encourages attackers to make quicker, more precise passes.