Practice 2: Learning to counter

WHY USE IT

This wave practice presents a challenging environment due to the level of overload for the attacking players. The set-up will provide players with different pictures and scenarios.

SET UP

Set up an area appropriate for your players, with the sides directed inwards towards the halfway point. Where the attackers enter, place two gates. Two defenders start in the half with the goalkeeper, with one in the half where the attackers enter. The attackers line up in threes waiting their turn, with a server positioned just outside the area at the halfway point.

HOW TO PLAY

Server plays the ball into an attacker, who enters the area with their two team-mates. These three attackers look to advance into the next half of the area and score a goal. The defenders are locked in their designated halves of the area, unless they win the ball, when they become unlocked and attempt to drive through one of the two gates. As soon as it is over, the next three attackers enter the area.

COACHING POINTS

Pass or dribble? If a pass, consider the choice of pass; who do you want on the ball and where do they want it? Movement off the ball; how can you help the team progress up the pitch and penetrate the opposition?