Soccer Attacking

Wide Play — Overlap & Underlap

Soccer drill for attacking training sessions

Fullback and winger combine using overlapping and underlapping runs to create crossing opportunities.

20 minDuration
10 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Wide channel + half pitchSpace needed
Bibs, cones, ballsEquipment

What This Drill Improves

This soccer drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on attacking. It works well with 10 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.

Setup

Winger starts wide. FB starts behind. CM feeds the ball.

Instructions

  1. CM plays to winger.
  2. FB overlaps — winger holds, FB receives and crosses.
  3. Alternate: winger drives inside, FB underlaps outside and crosses.
  4. Strikers in box attack the cross.

Coaching Points

✓ Winger must hold long enough for the overlap to develop.
✓ FB times run to arrive as winger controls.
✓ Call it: go or hold.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
  • The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
  • Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.

Progressions: Make It Harder

→ Add a defending fullback.
→ Must score from the cross — no rebounds.
→ Three-option choice: overlap, underlap, or combination.

Regressions: Make It Easier

Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.

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overlap winger fullback crossing
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