Roma Overload to Isolate

Instructions/Setup:

In this overloaded practice, one team operates in a 5v4 scenario within one half of the grid. Their objective is to complete five passes under pressure before attempting to switch play across the grid to a teammate in space, finishing the move by scoring into a mini goal.

The defending team works to win back possession during the 5v4 phase. If they win the ball, their task is to quickly transfer possession to one of their two teammates positioned on the opposite side of the grid, initiating a counter-attack.

Coaching Notes:

• Patience in Possession: Encourage players to remain composed and patient while completing the five passes, using the overload advantage effectively.

• Switching Awareness: Players should scan regularly to recognize when the switch is on and execute it with precision and speed.

• Weight and Direction of Pass: Focus on ensuring passes are played with the correct weight and to the correct foot to maintain rhythm and speed of play.

• Defensive Urgency: The defending team must press with intensity and communicate to cut off passing lanes, aiming to disrupt the sequence before the switch can happen.

Progression 1: Add a Floating Neutral Player:

Introduce a neutral player who always plays with the team in possession, increasing the overload and encouraging quicker passing combinations before the switch.

Focus: This adds an extra outlet for passing and teaches players to exploit numerical advantages with quick, intelligent play.

Progression 2: Increase Pressure After the Switch:

Once the ball is switched to the opposite side, allow one defender to recover and apply pressure immediately, forcing quicker decision-making in the final action.

Focus: Helps develop speed of play after a switch and forces attackers to capitalize on transitional moments with urgency.