Practice 1: Learning to counter

WHY USE IT

Supports players in making the most of counter attacking opportunities. The practice will have an emphasis on playing the ball forward and making forward runs.

SET UP

Attacking players set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, but without the defensive unit and goalkeeper. For the opposition there are two defenders, a defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper. Cones indicate where players are positioned at the start of each go. In this instance, there are two lots of defensive midfielders and wide players, who rotate turns.

HOW TO PLAY

One of the defensive midfielders begins by playing into the attacking midfielder. From here, players are encouraged to be creative in the patterns they use to progress forward and have an attempt on goal, all of which must be completed within a set period, set by the coach (approx. 8 secs). 
Progression: Change the time limit and add more opposition players.

COACHING POINTS

Choice of pass; who do you want on the ball and where specifically do they want it? Movement of the players off the ball; how can you help the team to progress up the pitch and penetrate the opposition?