Practice 3: Learning to counter

WHY USE IT

The practice brings players closer to situations they will come across within a game, specifically breaking from the midfield area and counter attacking.

SET UP

Split the pitch in two. In the first area there are two teams, in this instance a 5v5. In the second area is an attacker and two defenders, plus a goalkeeper and goal.

HOW TO PLAY

Coach plays the ball into one of the teams, who aim to complete a set number of passes (two or three). If they do so, the player with the ball and a team-mate break into the second area to create a 3v2 (the two players plus the attacker vs two defenders) and they attack the goal. If the other team wins the ball before their opponents complete their passes, they can look to do the same. If the defenders win the ball in the second area, they play it back into the first area to the team that did not break out.

Progression: Allow one opponent to recover from the first area to make a 3v3.

COACHING POINTS

Pass or dribble? Choice of pass in terms of who to pass to and the area of pass. Movement off the ball. Players should be encouraged to play forward quickly and only play back if it allows them to play forward quickly afterwards.