Overloading to One Side of the Field
to Create an Imbalance  

By James Ayres - Dothan, AL

       I had seen variations of this used by the U.S. and Brazilian National teams.  I changed it a little to give it a direct attack but also allow for players to be creative in their own ways, as most teams our age won’t recognize what we are doing.

  

This is using the 3-5-2 which is what I used.  You have 2 forwards, 5 midfielders and 3 backs.  You can drop the right forward or one of the midfielders to stopper if you would rather use a 4-4-2.

 
Forwards

            One forward stays wide opposite of the play looking to sneak in for a cross at the goal and keep the defense honest while also making the formation look somewhat normal to most coaches.  The other forwards plays up top of the overloaded side to help support the formation.

 

Midfielders

            You stagger the center midfielders into 2 offensive and 2 defensive sets.  None of the midfielders can go past the center of the field to the other side.  The outside mid plays just as normal but with less space to work with. And you have no left outside mid.

 

Backs 

            Playing 3 backs means you need to stay tight and patient. Containment and zone play is the key.  Also, when we have the ball, they have to push up as much as possible as to not allow any gaps between them and the midfielders.

           The key is to work the ball to the corner on the overloaded side and get a cross to the goal looking for the lone forward.  After many attempts at this it should open up the middle of the field for the midfielders to spread it a little to the open side and attack that way.

           When you lose the ball and they bring it down the open side you just have to allow them that space and be patient on defense until they bring it at you.
 

LF = Left Forward RF = Right Forward ACM = Attacking Center Midfielder DCM = Defensive Center Midfielder ROM = Right Outside Midfielder OLB = Outside Left Defensive Back ORB = Outside Right Defensive Back CB = Center Defensive Back SW = Sweeper

Key Points:

Use this tactic sparingly.  If you use it too much it will be recognized and you will be vulnerable.  It's a good tactic to use a few minutes into a half and for a short stretch of time. If you use it sparingly an opposing coach will think a few players are just out of position.  Since the forwards and backs appear normal it's not obvious what you are doing.
 

  Web Administrator    Ken Gamble