Overlapping turns a 1v1 into a 2v1 in your favor. The defender runs around the midfielder and offers themselves as a passing option. This is an advanced offensive tactic that requires timing and communication.
What you need: 3 kids (2 attackers, 1 defender), 1 ball, cones marking a 40-foot attacking zone.
Setup: Midfielder has the ball. Defender is behind them. Defending team has 1 defender.
How to run it:
- Midfielder dribbles forward using Touch, Look, Push, Go.
- Midfielder looks over their shoulder and sees the defender running to overlap.
- Midfielder passes to the overlapping defender using Plant, Open, Strike, Follow.
- Overlapping defender gets the ball in space with a clear shooting or crossing opportunity.
- Do 4 successful overlapping moves.
What to watch: Does the midfielder pass at the right moment? Too early or too late ruins the overlap.
If they’re struggling: Mark the pass with a cone. Midfielder must pass to that spot.
If they’ve got it: Add a live defender who pressures the ball carrier. Now the pass is under time pressure.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Size 4 soccer ball → — right size for ages 8–12.
Disc cones (50-pack) → — flat cones for gates, grids, and boundary markers.
Full soccer gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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