2v1 Overlap to Shot | Beating a Defender Down the Side

Overview

• Works for U12 development ages all the way up to adult and senior sides
• Needs 10 or more players
• Best for players who already get the basics of the overlap
• Sharpens both your attackers and your defenders at the same time

Objectives

• Get players comfortable attacking 2v1 off the overlap
• Sync the pass with the run to break a defender down
• Build the decision-making to turn a wide situation into a goal
• Read the spacing and learn to find the right position

Setup

Set up a 30m x 30m grid with two attackers going up against one defender.

1) The player on the ball moves freely inside the grid while their partner shifts into support

2) The defender pressures the ball and cuts off the passing lane

3) The two attackers time their pass and their run together to break the defender down

4) Play ends on a shot or a goal, then rotate and go again