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LOGINSmall-sided game: Tackle and counter attack
This activity places players in a game environment where they are set up to win the ball back from the opposition and counterattack quickly to a waiting target.
Set up
Use half your normal pitch. Set up a 20x25-yard central box between the penalty area and the halfway line, splitting the box in two. We’ve used 15 players.
How to play it
Split the players into two teams of seven plus a keeper. The red defending team has six defenders in the centre box and one high up the pitch near the opposition keeper. Split the attacking players into two waiting groups on opposite sides. The keeper plays for the attacking team.
The coach plays a ball into first group of three attackers, who enter the centre box and try to dribble through it. The six defenders try to stop the penetration by winning back the ball. The player who wins it must make a good pass into the forward, who has three touches to score. Play four three-minute games.
Technique
It is a good session for counterattacking with a big overload in favour of the team who are attempting to win the ball and score.
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