Drill Library
PossessionPlaying OutPositional PlayOverload

Position Game 6v4 + GK

Play out from the keeper through a 6v4 overload into a target zone — possession with purpose and direction.

Open diagram

Theme

Possession

Difficulty

Advanced

Duration

20 min

Players (min–rec–max)

11–11–12

Area

35 × 40 yards

Session phase

Main

Age groups

U14, U15, U16, U18, Adult

Equipment

goal, GK, cones, bibs, balls

Objective

Develop playing out from the back with a positional overload, keeping the ball with purpose and progressing it into a target zone.

Set-up

A keeper and six outfielders (in positions) keep the ball against four pressers, aiming to progress the ball into a target zone at the far end.

How it runs

  1. The keeper starts it; the six play out and keep possession against the four.
  2. Score by passing into a team-mate's feet in the far target zone.
  3. Players hold their positions to keep the structure and the overload.
  4. If the four win it, they score by hitting a small goal or counter.

Coaching points

  • Find the free man the overload always creates.
  • Stay in position — width and depth keep the spaces open.
  • Play forward when it's on; recycle when it isn't.
  • Receive on the half-turn to progress, not just retain.

Common mistakes

  • Players rotate randomly and the structure collapses — rotate positions, don't abandon them.
  • The keeper is bypassed as an outfield option — the GK is the spare man; use them to reset.
  • Possession becomes the goal in itself — possession with the purpose of progressing; reward line-breaking passes.

Progressions

  • Two-touch maximum.
  • Reduce to a 6v5.
  • Add a time limit to reach the target zone.

Regressions

  • 6v3 for a bigger overload.
  • Bigger area.
  • Remove the pressing reward.

Constraints

  • Players must stay within their zones/positions.

Tags

possessionplaying-outpositional-playoverload