Overlap Diamond

EXPLANATION:

• X2 starts at the back of the diamond and initiates the play by signalling for the ball and cutting back to either near side of the central diamond.
• X1 passes the ball onto X2’s stick.
• X1 immediately moves after he has passed the ball, and accelerates into the space on the opposite side from X2’s reception.
• X2 moves the ball on the reception, arcing away from the diamond, and looks for the overlapping run from X1. X2 then passes the ball laterally into the path of X1.
• X1 picks up the ball on the move and immediately looks up to pass to X3 on the opposite side.
• After this pass, X1 follows his pass and runs to the far cone behind X3.
• X2 resets in the diamond and signals to receive a pass on a cut-back from X3. The pattern repeats in the opposite direction. 

COACHING POINTS:

• As with the Receiving Diamond Drill, communication between passer and receiver is important for effective timing.
• X1 should move to start the overlap immediately after making the initial pass. X1 reacts by running into the opposite space from where X2 takes the first touch.
• X2 “holds the ball up”, protecting it from any defenders, and watches to see X1’s overlap run, releasing a paced pass into the path of X1. 

EVALUATION:

• The timing of the second pass is critical here. After receiving the ball, X2 must drift away to one side, trying to draw a defender to come with him. X2 should maintain good vision of the backfield so he is aware of X1’s movement to deliver a good pass.
• If executed well, X1 should maintain speed as he picks up the ball.

PROGRESSION:

• LTT: same
• TTC & TTW: Add deception to the lateral pass. X2 can dummy over the ball or lean body to the opposite side before playing the pass back to X1.