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Lesson 5 - Overloads and Tactical Awareness

Tactical Mastery & Team Dynamics

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Year 6

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Football

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Big Question

How can we use numerical advantages and tactical awareness to create more goal-scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To combine skills effectively to create goal-scoring opportunities
To understand and apply overload, overlap, and underlap tactics
To demonstrate leadership skills in attacking and defending situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute overload tactics in small-sided games
Students will show understanding of overlap and underlap movements
Students will demonstrate improved decision-making under pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 4 students (8-10 total)

Distributed at each small pitch area

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 footballs depending on student ability

Goals

6-8 small goals or targets

One goal per small pitch area

Alternative: Cones or markers to create goal areas

Cones

40-50

Used to mark pitch boundaries and lines

Alternative: Flat markers or spots

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of different colours (6-8 each)

For distinguishing teams in final game

Alternative: Pinnies or team bands

Key Vocabulary

Overload

Having more attacking players than defending players in a specific area of the pitch

Overlap

A supporting player running from behind to overtake the player with the ball

Underlap

A supporting player running from behind on the inside of the ball carrier

Third person run

Movement by a player without the ball to create space or distract defenders

Penetration

Getting the ball behind the defensive line into dangerous areas

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic football skills - passing, dribbling, shooting
Understanding of space and movement
Ability to work in small teams

Current Skills

Tactical awareness and decision-making
Creating and exploiting overload situations
Understanding overlap and underlap movements
Leadership in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Set piece strategies
Complex team coordination patterns

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently identify numerical advantages

Effective use of space in attacking play

Clear communication during overload situations

Key Teaching Points

Numerical advantage must be actively exploited through movement and passing
Overlap and underlap timing is crucial for effectiveness
Communication is essential for successful tactical play
Space is more important than speed in tactical situations
Leadership can be shown through organisation and encouragement
Defending requires discipline and teamwork to overcome numerical disadvantage
Quick decision-making improves with practice and understanding

Common Misconceptions

More players automatically means easy success - students must learn to use advantage wisely
Overlap and underlap are the same movement - clear distinction needed
Only the ball carrier makes decisions - all players must think tactically
Faster play is always better - controlled, thoughtful play often more effective
Leadership means being loudest - demonstrated through actions and support too
Defending with fewer players is hopeless - smart defending can overcome numbers

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear immediate feedback, break complex instructions into smaller steps

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for movement patterns, simplified tactical instructions, partner support for complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, predictable activity patterns, quiet reflection time if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all tactics, hand signals for game instructions, written tactical diagrams

physical disability

Modified roles such as tactical advisor, adapted equipment if needed, focus on decision-making aspects

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Numerical advantages and understanding ratios (3v1, 4v2, 6v4), angles of passing and movement

Science

Forces and motion in passing and shooting, understanding momentum and direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness and map reading skills through pitch positioning and tactical understanding

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork, resilience under pressure, and fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with view of all practice areas, move between groups during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, safe play, and leadership behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in when students show confusion about tactics, safety concerns arise, or to highlight good examples

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing tactical concepts, pause games to highlight good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Find the space!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Communicate!'
•'Use your advantage!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple small pitches, plus additional space for warm-up activities

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or artificial surface free from debris and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and safe with no sharp edges
•Cones positioned safely to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic warm-up activities
•Aggressive challenges during competitive games
•Trips and falls during quick directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasise controlled movements during warm-up
•Referee games closely to prevent over-physical play
•Adequate spacing between practice areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
•Move between groups during skill development
•Close monitoring during competitive game situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed