Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Counter attacking (Start Time: 2020-12-11 13:30:00)

How to counter attack with small number (10 mins)

Key Factors

• The movement to create space for teammates 
• Communication (verbal and non-verbal in pairs)
• Recognition of when to increase attacking tempo to break lines 
• Support from behind and in front.

Organisation

• This Counter Attacking practice is set up in a 30 by30 yard area, together with a 15 by 15-yard area at the top of the pitch where players will begin the practice keeping possession. 
• There are 3 goals in the session, with 1 main goal protected by a goalkeeper and 2 mini goals for players to score into. 
• The objective here is for 3 players to make 10 passes before breaking out via the floater to score. 
• The 2 defenders must gain possession to pass into the Striker who is marked by an opposition defender before one player breaks out to combine and finish in a 2 v 1.

Counter attacking 8 v 8 (30 mins)

Key Factors

• 1 Defender playing a high line to increase chances of winning the ball 
• 2 Midfielder’s immediate support when possession is won 
• 3 Attackers must recognize the space to exploit quickly, giving teammates options for a forward pass.

Organisation

• This Counter attacking theme is based on the pace and direct attacking play of Ronaldo, with a 343 system against a 4231. We begin by removing both full-backs and the attacking midfielder for whites and both wing-backs and central midfielder for purples. 
• This 8 v 8 Small Sided Game encourages interceptions in midfield areas, with a 3 v2 midfield overload. By playing compact, 4 v 3 and 3 v 2 counter-attacking situations can be created.

Progressions:

• Progress the practice by rewarding high pressure regains with a goal of encouraging concerted group pressure. 
• Add a reward constraint for whites, by gifting them 2 goals if all players are in the attacking half when they score, leaving space for the counter when they lose possession.