It certainly feels like an increased understanding of overloads and the benefits around it have developed in recent years throughout the coaching community. There has been more information and education around ways that teams can manipulate the opponent's structure and open up key spaces higher up the pitch to create chances and score goals. Coaches like Guardiola, ten Hag and most recently, De Zerbi have shown a variety of ways to do this at the highest level, but how we coach this concept effectively is still somewhat unknown. As much as the analysis of the top teams have become more attainable, their weekly training sessions with a tactical intent are still very much carried out in private (and understandably so!) This week's MSC Tactical Breakdown focuses on how a coach may build a session around this specific topic. You can watch the full breakdown on our YouTube page.
Part One:
The aim of this exercise is to introduce an element of decision-making into the build-up stages of attacking overloads, primarily around the #6 who is highlighted. Depending on how the defensive team are pressing, will determine whether the overload is required in the build-up or not. Because the red team are screening the #6, they are needed to help solve the build and that then 'frees up' the #4 and #5 to drive forward and create the next overload themselves. Games like this allow players to experience the need and timing for overload and then develop a greater understanding about it's benefits. (See below)
Part Two:
The next progression aims to look at overloads higher up the pitch and engaging our attacking players in the process of moving into dangerous areas. This is a 9v9 game where the defensive team are restricted to stay in their zones, whereas the attacking players can move freely. Again, there is a huge element of decision making as attacking players can now build an understanding of where they may drop into and when - which improves timing and relationships within the team. (See Below)
Part Three:
If you enjoyed the first two exercises and would like to see the conclusion of the session with the final exercise, please watch the free YouTube video below. If the content was beneficial, please subscribe to our MSC YouTube page and check out more session resources here.
If you enjoy these exercises and would like more ideas around possession and decision making, please check out our NEW MSC 20 Scanning Exercises eBook, which is available here.
