Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): TACKLE & COUNTER

TRANSITION TO ATTACK (20 mins)

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.  Split the players into two even teams plus a keeper. The Yellow defending team has four defensive players in the center box and two wingers higher up the pitch. Split the attacking players into waiting groups on opposite sides. The keeper plays for the attacking team.

INSTRUCTIONS: The coach plays a ball into first group of two attackers, (Black) who enter the center box and try to dribble through it to a target. The four defenders (Yellow) try to stop the penetration by winning back the ball. The player who wins it must make a good pass into the winger, who has three touches to score. Play four three-minute games.

Coaching Points: Defenders closing down space to get touch tight. Quick Transition & outlet to the wingers or forward player. The defending team wins the ball back from the attackers and immediately look to counterattack

Variations & Constraints: Change focus or add in a Center Forward. Have two defenders in the box join the counter attack, and turn the counter attack into a 6x2. Add in a Central Defender to the Attacking team. (Black)