4v3+1 Counterattack | Napoli-Style: Playing the Overload

Overview

• Run this with 9 players on a third of the field
• Set it up with 4 attackers (numbers 2, 6, 5, 3), 4 defenders (numbers 7, 10, 9, 11), and a keeper
• When the attackers lose the ball, they jump straight in front of the defenders and make a recovery run to win it back
• The attacking team plays the overload to score, and the defending team focuses on shutting down that recovery

Objectives

• Sharpen quick reads and quick execution on the counter
• Squeeze everything out of the numbers-up situation (4v3)
• Get players switching from attack to defense and back into attack
• Improve passing accuracy and awareness of what’s around them
• Build team connection and a real sense for positioning

Setup

This is a counter drill where, the moment they lose the ball, the attacking players sprint in front of the defenders to bring back the overload.

1）The coach plays a ball in to the attacking team

2）The attacking team (4 players) goes for goal, creating set pieces and chances around the box

3）The moment the defending team (4 players) wins the ball, the attacking team switches straight into defense

4）As the defending team (4 players) breaks out to attack, the original attacking team makes a quick recovery run to get in front of them

5）With the overload back on (4v3), the attacking team reads it fast and goes for the goal

6）The rep ends on a goal or a turnover, and you reset the ball