Week 42 Breaking Lines & Overloaded

Instructions/Setup:

Play starts with 1 goalkeeper and 2 defenders building play and attempting to break the lines of a defending 3 players. If they are successful in breaking a line and progressing the ball into their attacking 3 players, a 3v2 attacking scenario plays out. Players are locked into their specific grids and are completely unopposed in the build-up phase. The attacking overloaded phase changes the practice to a fully opposed scenario.

If the defending 3 successfully intercept the build-up or regain possession, they can attack quickly against the unbalanced build-up team.

Coaching Notes:

• Breaking Lines in Build-Up – The defenders should focus on breaking the opposition’s defensive lines with quick, sharp passes or intelligent movement. Encourage the goalkeeper to be involved in starting play from the back, playing short or long passes to the defenders.

• Composure Under Pressure – During the 3v2 attacking scenario, emphasize quick decision-making and composure in the final third. Players should be patient, selecting the right moment to shoot or pass based on the defenders' positioning.

• Wide Play – The attacking players should look to stretch the defense by using width. This will open up space in the middle for players to receive passes and exploit gaps in the defense.

• Recovery Defending – If the defending team regains possession, encourage quick transitions to attack. They should look to exploit the imbalance in the build-up team, countering swiftly before the defensive shape can reset.

Progression 1: Increase Defensive Pressure

Introduce additional defenders to the build-up phase, forcing the team in possession to break more complex lines. This progression will test the defenders’ ability to remain composed under pressure and make quicker, sharper decisions.

Focus: Improving the ability to break multiple lines under defensive pressure.

Progression 2: 1v1 Defending Challenge

Once the attacking team reaches the 3v2 phase, the defenders must engage in 1v1 duels to stop the attacking progress. This allows players to work on their individual defending skills and timing of tackles in an overloaded attacking situation.

Focus: Enhancing 1v1 defending abilities in transition scenarios.