The Overlap – Promoting movement off the ball By Gary Stephenson, Assistant Director of Coaching The Overlap explained

The player with the ball (1st attacker) passes to a team mate on the flank (2nd attacker) within 10-15yds. The 2nd attacker receives the ball dribbling across the center of the field horizontally engaging the nearest defender. The 1st attacker makes a run (bending, see diagram) past the 2nd attacker – utilizing the space created by the 2nd attacker on the flank. The 2nd attacker’s dribble acts to disguise the run made by 1st attacker pulling the defender on the flank with him. The 1st attacker calls for the ball to be played when alongside the 2nd attacker. The 2nd attacker players the ball in to space (through ball) for the 1st attacker to run onto.

Overlapping Diamond

Organization • Mark out a diamond 20 x 30 yard • A players placed on the two cones, two players at each of the ends • One ball at each end Sequence & Progression • Player B checks away from player A towards the pole, turns and calls for the ball. Player A plays the ball to B. Player B dribbles infield. Player A bends a run past B. Whilst alongside B, player A calls for the ball. Player B play ers a through ball for player A to run onto. Player A passes to the other end. • Switch the center players

4 v 4 to End zone

Organization • Mark out a grid 20 x 30 yard with two 5yard end zones • Two teams of 4 players Sequence & Progression • Each team must try and pass into opponent’s end zone and be in full control of the ball. Once a team scores they must turn around and attack the other end zone. • Score double points if an overlap is performed in the build up

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EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER

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Warm up Organization • Players in threes with a ball – passing and moving – dynamic stretching

Coaching Points • Sharp pass A -B • Player B dribbles inside – creating space • Player A run is bent • Player A doesn’t call until alongside Player B • Good weighted through pass

Coaching Points • Good communication • Read the defensive teams shape • Engage the defender to unbalance the defense • Correctly weighted passes • Speeding up and slowing down the pace of the game Remember when working on the overlap that you want the players to be adding disguise to their play but more important to take the visual clues from the defensive teams position