How to Create Overlaps on the Flank in Football

7 December 2025

If you've watched even a handful of football matches, you've probably heard commentators rave about an "overlap down the flank" or a "fullback joining the attack." Sounds exciting, right? But what does it really mean, and how do teams actually pull it off? Let's break it down in simple terms and get into the nitty-gritty of executing perfect overlaps on the flanks.

Welcome to the world of flank attacks, where speed, timing, and killer teamwork all come together like pieces of a puzzle. Whether you're a player, coach, or just a football nerd like me, understanding overlaps can add a whole new layer to how you watch—and play—the beautiful game.

What’s an Overlap Anyway?

First things first: what exactly is an overlap in football?

An "overlap" happens when a player (usually a fullback) runs outside their teammate (typically a wide midfielder or winger) who has the ball. This movement gives the player with the ball an extra passing option and puts pressure on the defending team to make a quick decision—often opening up space.

Imagine you're on a 2-lane road and someone suddenly pulls up next to you in the fast lane. That’s what an overlap does—it gives the attack a second lane, and the defender now has two threats to deal with.

Why Overlaps on the Flank Are So Effective

The flanks are open territory in football, like the wild west of the pitch. While the center is crowded like a subway at rush hour, the sides often have more space to exploit if used correctly.

Overlaps are effective because:

- They create numerical superiority: Two attackers against one defender? That’s a winning formula.
- They make defenders hesitate: Should I stay tight to the winger or follow the fullback steaming past?
- They stretch the defense: Defenders have to spread out, opening gaps in the middle.
- They offer crossing opportunities: That overlapping run can result in a cutback or a killer cross.

Let’s not forget that overlaps aren’t just flashy runs; they’re calculated chaos that opens up doors.

The Key Ingredients of a Great Overlap

Creating effective overlaps takes more than just sprinting down the line. Let’s dive into what makes them work like magic.

1. Timing Is Everything

You can’t just run for the sake of running. The overlapped player must time their run to perfection.

Too soon? The space is wasted.
Too late? The opportunity's gone.

The fullback usually waits until the winger has drawn the defender close, then makes the run into space just as the winger shifts inside or slows down play.

2. Communication and Chemistry

Ever watched Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah? They don’t even have to talk; they just know. That’s chemistry. Communication can be verbal (“Go!”) or nonverbal (a subtle nod, a drop of the shoulder, a glance).

As a coach, if your players aren’t talking, they’re not overlapping right—end of story.

3. Spatial Awareness

The overlapping player must recognize:
- Where the space is
- The positioning of the defenders
- Whether the winger has control of the ball

It’s like dancing—you’ve got to know when to step in and when to stay out.

4. Physical Fitness

Overlapping runs are sprints—none of that joggy midfield stuff. You need pace, stamina, and the ability to recover quickly, especially if you're a fullback who has to sprint forward and get back into position within seconds.

The Roles Involved in Creating Overlaps

Creating an overlap isn’t a solo job. It’s a duet, and both parts matter. Let’s break down the roles.

The Winger

The winger usually has the ball and is the creative spark of the overlap. Their job is to:

- Attract the fullback or wide defender
- Hold up play just long enough for the overlapping run
- Play a pass into space, releasing the overlapping runner

Think Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, or Neymar—they’re masters at dragging defenders and picking their moment.

The Overlapping Fullback

The engine. The secret weapon. This player must:

- Time the run just after the winger slows down or cuts inside
- Hit top speed fast
- Provide width and a crossing option
- Defensively recover if the attack breaks down

Players like Dani Carvajal, Jordi Alba, or Alphonso Davies do this like it’s second nature.

Different Types of Overlaps

Not all overlaps are created equal. Here are a few variations that teams often use:

1. Traditional Overlap

The fullback runs outside the winger, who then passes into space. Easy peasy. This is the bread-and-butter of overlapping runs.

2. Underlap

A less common, but super effective variation where the fullback cuts inside the winger instead of outside. Think of it as a plot twist.

3. Decoy Overlap

Sometimes the fullback doesn’t even get the ball. They just make the run to drag defenders out of position. It’s mind games at their finest.

4. Double Overlap

Both the fullback and a central midfielder sprint in tandem—one wide, one inside. It confuses defenders and floods the flank with attacking options.

How to Train Overlapping Runs

You don’t just become good at overlaps—you train the heck out of them. Here are some methods you can use:

1. Small-Sided Games

Use 5v5 or 7v7 drills with wide zones. Encourage fullbacks to overlap in attacking scenarios. This simulates match pressure and builds instincts.

2. Pattern Play

Run set patterns where the winger drifts inside and the fullback overlaps. Repeat until it’s second nature. Add cones as defenders to simulate pressure.

3. Stamina Drills

Overlapping requires high-intensity sprints. Incorporate interval running into training, or add overlapping reps into conditioning drills.

4. Communication Exercises

Sometimes it's not the legs that lack overlap—it's the mind. Use drills that require players to call out cues, adjust runs, and read each other’s intentions.

Overlaps at Elite Level: Case Studies

Let’s bring in the big guns. Here’s how the pros do it.

Liverpool Under Klopp

Watch Liverpool play and you’ll see endless overlapping runs from Trent and Robertson. Their chemistry with Salah and Mane was next-level. These fullbacks didn’t just run—they created overloads, delivered crosses, and even scored.

Manchester City Under Pep Guardiola

Pep took overlapping to a tactical art form. His fullbacks often invert, but when the overlaps come, they’re devastating. Kyle Walker’s pace and Joao Cancelo’s creativity make any overlap a threat.

Spain in the 2010 World Cup

Spain’s tiki-taka dominated in the middle, but they used overlapping fullbacks to stretch defenses wide. Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila were key to creating width so the midfielders had space to operate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, overlaps are amazing, but what can go wrong? Plenty.

1. Poor Timing

An early or late run kills the move. Get your rhythm right.

2. Telegraphing the Run

If it’s obvious, defenders will sniff it out. Mix it up—sometimes fake the overlap or use a decoy.

3. Not Tracking Back

If you’re a fullback and you jog back after an overlap, you’re asking for trouble. Always recover.

4. Miscommunication

A mistimed pass or misread movement turns a good idea into a lost ball. Work on that chemistry.

Final Thoughts

Creating overlaps on the flank isn’t just about speed—it’s about timing, teamwork, and vision. Whether you're trying to create space, stretch the opposition, or carve up defenses, overlapping is a tool every team should have in their arsenal.

If you're a player—train it.
If you're a coach—teach it.
If you're a fan—appreciate it.

Next time you see a fullback dart past a winger and whip in a cross, you’ll know the beauty behind the move.