Master the counter attack

WHY USE IT

This fun transitional exercise places a huge impetus on a player’s ability to recognise where space is, be progressive in possession and create goal scoring opportunities in a game-like situation. There is an additional focus on making good decisions with the ball (scanning, receiving in good positions, movement off the ball to create separation from the opponent, how to create overloads and play in behind, around or over the opponent).

SET-UP

Set up the area depending on the number/age/ability of your players. Here, we’ve set up a 60x40-yard area, split into a 30x30-yard central area and two 15x40-yard final thirds, with two goals. Teams play 5v5 or 6v6 in the central zone, with goalkeepers. The wide areas of the central zone are blocked off to start with. Progressions will allow these areas to be used by neutral wingers.

HOW TO DO IT

Players have to complete a minimum set number of passes in the central zone (e.g. five or six) and then play a through-ball for a teammate to run onto in the final third and get a 1v1 with the goalkeeper. If the player leaves the centre zone before the pass is made, they are offside. Defenders are not allowed to chase back. Teams can attack in either direction.

TECHNIQUE

Players should remain patient in possession and look for the right time to play a penetrative pass. This will rely on team-mates being aware of opportunities to exploit space and make a third-man run off the ball, on the blind-side of defenders where possible. Encourage players to either play a straight pass onto an angled run, or an angled pass onto a straight run, and be aware of the positioning of the goalkeeper. Teams can look to play through, around or over the opposition.