Patterns of play ยท U12 to adult

4-3-3 full-back overlap with the winger

The winger receives, drives inside and the full-back overlaps around the outside to cross. The core wide pattern of a 4-3-3, practised unopposed, then 2v1, then in a game.

U12 to adultAges
8 to 12 plus a keeperPlayers
Half pitch, one wide sideArea
15 to 20 minsTime

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

Set-up

  • Full-back, central midfielder and winger on one side; striker and far-side winger in the box.
  • Goalkeeper in goal. Spare balls with the coach.

Equipment: Cones, balls, goal

How it works

  1. Midfielder plays into the winger's feet.
  2. Winger takes a touch inside; full-back overlaps on the outside.
  3. Winger releases the full-back, who crosses for the striker (near post) and far winger (back post).
  4. Progress: add a defender against the winger (2v1), then a second defender in the box.

Coaching points

  • Winger: drive inside to drag the defender with you.
  • Full-back: time the run, arrive at speed, don't wait for the ball.
  • Box: near post, back post, edge of the box, every time.

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • No defenders
  • Cross from a set cone

Make it harder

  • Defender can choose to follow either player
  • Finish within 8 seconds

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

Questions about this drill?

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