Overlapping Run in Soccer
Running beyond a teammate on the outside to create a 2v1 and deliver from wide areas.
What is Overlapping Run?
The overlapping run is one of football's most effective attacking patterns. A full-back or midfielder accelerates around a winger to receive in behind, dragging a defender and creating space. Used perfectly by teams like Manchester City and Liverpool to overload wide areas.
How Overlapping Run Is Used in Matches
The overlapping run creates width, draws defenders out of shape, and generates crossing positions that threaten the penalty area from wide areas.
Full-back overlapping the winger
As the winger cuts inside, the full-back bursts down the touchline behind them, offering a wide outlet and creating a 2v1 on the defensive side.
Central midfielder late run
From a deeper starting position, a midfielder times a run beyond the striker's shoulder to arrive in the box as a crossing pass is delivered — appearing unmarked.
Opposite side overload
When play switches to the right, the left full-back overlaps to stretch the defensive shape — even if the ball doesn't arrive, it creates space for teammates centrally.
How to Train Overlapping Run
2v1 overlap drills
Overlap timing exercises
Full back joining attack sessions
Wide combination play
Overlap into cross practice
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Examples from Professional Players
Trent Alexander-Arnold
right-side overlaps with Salah
Andrew Robertson
late runs onto crosses
João Cancelo
inverted or overlapping role
Related Tactical Concepts
Key Positions for This Skill
Train This Skill
Structured training units where Overlapping Run is developed with drills, progressions, and tactical context.
Understand this tactic in our courses
Video courses showing how and when to use Overlapping Run in competitive football. for Full Back players.