Tactics / Chance creation

Overload to isolate

We put four players on one side so their defence slides over, then switch it quickly to our far winger, who is left one against one with space.

In possessionFrom 9v9

FOUR OF USONE AGAINST ONE45638101197
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Defenders move towards the ball. The more of us on one side, the more of them follow. A quick switch catches their far full-back on their own, and a winger who is good one against one gets a clean duel with room to run.

What players do

  • Four on the ball side: full-back, midfielder, number 10 and the near winger.
  • Far winger: stay wide and patient. Do not drift towards the ball.
  • Keep the ball moving on the busy side, short and quick, until their midfield has come across.
  • Switch in two passes if one is too long: back through the holding midfielder.
  • Far winger: first touch forward, then attack the full-back before help arrives.

Common mistakes

  • The far winger comes over to help, so there is nobody to switch to.
  • Switching too early, before their defence has moved.
  • A slow, looping switch that gives their full-back time to get across.

With young players

From 9v9. Younger children all go to the ball anyway, so start by teaching the far winger to stay wide. That is half of this tactic.

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: Crossing zones

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 a safe pass behind the busy side, so we can keep the ball while they shift.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Near full-back: join the overload. Far centre-back: be ready to switch it if the holding midfielder is marked.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Keep it moving on the busy side. Holding midfielder: be the link for the switch.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Near winger and striker: stay close and busy. Far winger: wide, patient, then attack one against one.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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