Patterns of play ยท U13 to adult

3-5-2 outside centre-back overlap

The wide centre-back carries forward and overlaps the wing-back, creating an overload on the flank. A powerful 3-5-2 pattern to break down a compact defence.

U13 to adultAges
6 to 10 plus a keeperPlayers
Half pitchArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Wide centre-back, wing-back, central midfielder and two strikers.
  • Keeper; optional passive defenders.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Wide centre-back carries into midfield and passes to the wing-back.
  2. Wing-back drives inside; the centre-back overlaps on the outside.
  3. Centre-back crosses for the two strikers attacking near and far post.

Coaching points

  • Centre-back carries only when there's space.
  • Midfielder covers the centre-back's position.
  • Strikers split: one near, one far.

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Unopposed

Make it harder

  • Add a defending wide midfielder and full-back

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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