Play the video below to get the full coaching points!

Learning to set up and execute a fast counter attack requires your soccer players to understand a set move, know where they are meant to be positionally, anticipate the movement of their team mates and execute crisp, passing combinations to unlock your opponents defence.

This drill works on a set pattern of play beginning with the goal keeper, incorporating the full backs, wingers and then a link up combination play.

In this drill we are solely focusing on the build up. In later drills we'll extended this drill to an extended play.

ORGANISATION

Using a full pitch practice area place the players as per the video diagram below.

To begin the drill, set the scene with the players that as soon as an opponents attack has broken down and the goal keeper has caught the ball, there is generally a lull in the tempo of the game and if your players are alive and ready to capitalise then they can expose this hesitation.

The drill begins with the goal keepers distribution. An accurate throw to a full back, either side, left or right... into the path of the full back. The corresponding winger on the same side of the full back should make a move to go long and take an imaginary defender with them, only to check their run and come short for the pass from the full back.

The full back should then push up and support the winger, a combination takes place between the two, where the full back having received the ball again looks to switch the play to the opposite side of the pitch, where the left back (in this example) has pushed up and now links with the left winger.

The right sided players, winger and full back should then continue their runs into the box to support the left sided players. Coach the right back and winger to make a cross over run in the box which will disrupt and unbalance the defence.

NOTE

As we are using a full pitch practice, players will tire quickly making long runs at full tilt. Therefore, if you are doing this drill with the minimum number of players then you should give ample rest periods in between each repetition.

When I conduct this drill, I have two sets of players for each position and rotate them so that they all get the opportunity to experience the technical requirements of each position. If they appreciate what other positions require they are far more likely to ensure that they fulfill their positional obligations with more care!

EQUIPMENT

Plenty of soccer balls, cones, flags, full pitch, 5 players+

COACHING POINTS

• Quick feet and good close control
• All actions, passing, movement and runs should be at game speed
• Good communication
• Movement to create space and make passing angles
• Space and support

PROGRESSION

In order to progress this drill you could...

• Introduce a goal keeper to begin with
• Introduce and increase the number of defenders, both defenders and then midfield players
• Use one and touch touch conditions

How To Launch A Quick Counter Attack

Related Articles

·  Developing Speed of Thought & Feet In Your Soccer Players ·  Speed - The Essential Soccer Ingredient Part 2 ·  Speed - The Essential Soccer Ingredient ·  Soccer Attacking - 3 v 2 Combination Attack ·  Attacking Soccer - Switching The Play ·  Soccer Dribbling & Finishing Exercise