Soccer Counter Attack # 1 Training Drill
Setup
- 2 teams (2v2 in one half and 4v4 in the other half)
- 1 goalie
- 2 center squares 5yds x 5yds
- each team defends and attacks one goal
- cones to mark off area
- 2 goals
- pinnies
- 20-30 min
Rules & Objectives
- one neutral player in each centre square
- players must stay in their designated zone
- a defending player must try to pass to a neutral player inside the middle square
- the neutral player then passes to a player from the team in possession into the attacking half
- the neutral player may advance into the attacking half to support the attacking players
- one neutral player always must be in the neutral zone as a supporting player
- neutral players return to their square as soon as the attacking team loses the ball
- switch roles after appr. 10 minutes
Variations
- allow only the team with four defenders in one half to pass directly to their two attackers (without support by the neutral players)
- allow only the team with two defenders in one half to pass directly to their four attackers (without support by the neutral players)
- limit number of touches
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group
Coaching Points
- Attacking: angle, distance and timing of support
- Attacking: body position - open to field
- Attacking: decision making
- Attacking: verbal and visual communication
- Attacking: quick finish
- Attacking: quick transitions
- Attacking: support position lateral to ball
- Defending: angle and distance of cover
- Defending: changing role of pressure and cover
- Defending: visual and verbal communication
- Defending: positioning to provide cover and balance
- Defending: intercepting pass
- Defending: defending vital space (squeeze toward center)
- Defending: defending space behind
- Defending: tracking players
- Defending: quick transitions
