Tactics / Chance creation

The overlap

The winger takes the ball inside; the full-back runs round the outside into the space the winger left.

In possessionFrom 9v9Match moment: Make a chance from the wingMatch moment: An overlap against you

72910GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

It creates two against one on the wing. The defender has to choose: follow the winger inside, or the runner outside.

What players do

  • Winger: carry the ball inside to pull the defender with you.
  • Full-back: run round the outside at full speed. Call for it.
  • The pass goes in front of the runner, not to their feet.

Common mistakes

  • The full-back runs too early and arrives level with the winger, with no space to receive.
  • The winger does not draw the defender before passing.
  • Nobody covers the space the full-back left behind.

With young players

Good from 9v9 up, when there are proper full-backs and wingers.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Press on a trigger

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Be ready for the counter if the overlap fails.
    • Stand higher so you can sweep behind the full-back's space.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Full-back: run round the outside at full speed. The other defenders cover the space you leave.
    • Full-back: call "overlap" so the winger knows you are coming.
    • Centre-back on that side: slide across towards the touchline.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Slide across to cover the full-back.
    • Holding midfielder: drop into the space between centre-back and touchline.
    • If the overlap fails, you are the first defender on that side.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Winger: carry it inside to pull the defender, then release.
    • Winger: go inside at the defender, not away from them, to keep them busy.
    • Pass in front of the full-back's run, not to their feet.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.