Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Counter attacking/1st week

Counter attack skill practice. (20 mins)

Organisation:

24x30 yds area

3 goals at either end of the area

Players split into teams of 6

Balls available next to each small goal

Instructions:

Play begins in a 3v3.

A goal is awarded for a successful pass into any of the goals in the direction the team is playing. Once a goal is scored, the player stood behind the goal brings the ball into the field at speed to attempt to counter the opponent who is potentially out numbered 4v3 or who's team is unbalanced One of the other attacking players swaps and stands next to the small goal now vacant.

Progressions:

Make it easier:

Decrease the area

Create 3v2

Make it more challenging:

Put time limit on players to finish (10 seconds to score).

Limit the touches of players

Increase the area (difficult to defend)

Allow passes back to team mates who play off 2 touches

Coaching points:

Decision making - players should look to make decisions on when to drop or put pressure on the ball to defend effectively.

Attack the space - To counter attack effectively, players need to attack the spaces that are open at speed by either moving the ball quickly Through combinations or running with the ball into space.

First movement forward - When winning the ball or entering the exercise, the first pass or movement with the ball should be forward to try and take advantage of the opposition being unbalanced.