In this session filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Everton’s lead Under-16 coach Scott Phelan takes his players through a series of practices that focus on creating central overloads to progress play into attacking areas.

Following a video briefing that frames the session for the players, Under-16s strength and conditioning coach Richie Cailes leads a warm-up and technical activation that prepares them physically for the practices that follow.

The first of these practices is a build-up transfer game led by Phelan, which gives the players opportunities to transfer the ball, through a defending team, utilising a midfield pivot pair. The second practice is a build-up wave game, with the aim of progressing to finish an attack. When attacking, the teams can create an overload using a midfield box, with the introduction of advanced midfielders. The final practice is a 9v9 themed game, where one team is focused on utilising a box to overload centrally, before progressing to score. The opposition – led by assistant coach Jose Baxter – use various formations to present different challenges to the coached team on how to create central overloads.

It is an excellent session that focuses on the key details that will enable players and teams to progress the ball through the pitch using central overloads. The coaching course includes not only technical and tactical points for players, but also insight from Phelan on coaching methodology to help deliver these. We hope you enjoy it!

Please also click below to access the accompanying session plan in PDF form.