Free practice Numbers Drills · Finishing & Attacking

Vigo Breaking Lines & Overload

Vigo Breaking Lines & Overload practice diagram Watch this drill in the library

Practice description

Aim
Improve attacking combinations and use of space after a line-breaking pass creates a 3v2.

How it works
The centre back begins unopposed and passes into the forward players. That pass starts the live phase, giving three attackers the chance to combine against two defenders.

• The centre back looks forward and plays a line-breaking pass into one of the three attackers.
• Once the ball reaches the attacking group, the practice becomes opposed.
• The receiver controls and assesses the defender's position.
• The three attackers use passing and movement to exploit their extra player.
• Create a clear shooting opportunity and finish the 3v2 attack towards goal.

Coaching points

• Timing of the Pass: The center-back should focus on timing the forward pass accurately, ensuring it is played into the path of the attackers and allows them to exploit the space before the defenders can react.

• Combination Play: Attackers should focus on quick combinations to break down the defensive unit. Short, sharp passes and good movement off the ball will allow the attackers to keep the defenders off-balance and create goal-scoring chances.

• Creating Overloads: The attackers should aim to utilize the overload, ensuring they are constantly making runs and options to maximize the advantage of having three players against two defenders. Spacing and communication are key.

• Finishing Under Pressure: Once the overload is created, attackers should focus on finishing with composure, making the most of the goal-scoring opportunities by being quick and accurate in front of goal.

Progression 1

Add a Defender to Apply Pressure:

Introduce a defender who applies pressure to the forward players as they attempt to combine and finish. This encourages attackers to make quicker decisions and execute under more realistic match conditions.

Focus: Enhances decision-making and finishing under pressure, simulating real-game situations where attackers must execute quickly with limited time.

Progression 2

Limit Touches:

Limit the number of touches that each attacker can take before they must pass or shoot. This encourages quicker decision-making and helps to improve the speed of the attacking play.

Focus: Increases the speed of attack and forces players to think and execute faster, promoting quicker combinations and sharper decision-making.

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