Would you like your team to be more effective on the counter-attack?
Here is a soccer training drill that is focused on improving a team’s explosive counter-attacking capabilities and can be adapted for any age group.
Key Developing Aspect:
- Looking to play the first pass forward
- Quick transition play (defending-attacking)
- Support play
- Making runs off the ball
- Improving decision making
- Attacking at speed
Set Up
Organise three distinct zones, as seen in the picture below:
Counter-Attacking Training Drill Description:
In the possession zone, around the half-way line, play, 6v4 (team numbers can change to suit the number of players you have and player’s ability).
The team of 6 attempt to keep possession for as long as possible with a limited amount of touches (2 or 3 touch) per player at the coach’s discretion.
The team of 4 must work hard to win the ball and then once possession of the football has been won, the emphasis is on utilising a quick transition from defending to attacking. This is achieved by playing the ball forward to the striker, in the narrow exit zone (no defenders can enter), at the earliest opportunity.
When the ball has been played into the striker, 2 players can break forward in support of the centre forward to create a 3v2 attacking situation.
Depending on the age and ability of the players, you might want to begin with three players breaking forward to create a 4v2 and then reduce the numbers to progress the challenge.
Now the attacking players are looking to attack with speed, to score a goal.
A coach may want to set a time limit for the attackers to score, from when the ball leaves the possession zone.
Exercise Variation
The training drill could be adapted so that both teams have a transition objective. As well as the team of four trying to move the ball into the attacking zone as quickly as possible, the team of 6 players (upon losing possession) should attempt to quickly regain possession and pass into one of two mini goals set-up outside of the possession zone, in the opposite direction of the attacking zone.
For more attacking training drills, click here to go to the attacking training drill page.
