Counter-attack v possession play

This is a small-sided game working on the principles of counter-attacking and keeping possession. With one team looking to keep the ball for a set number of passes, and the other team looking to regain the ball and counter-attack in the opposite half of the pitch, it presents players with live problems and decisions to make both when in and out of possession. The score line also presents different scenarios that give the players the chance to come up with strategies to react.

We would use this session at Rochdale on days when the players are able to train at full intensity and when we are looking for high intensity running in terms of physical loads.

What do I get the players to do?

Counter v keep ball

We set up a playing area of 45x30 yards with a goal and a goalkeeper at each end. We would clearly mark a halfway line with poles and flat markers as a visual reference for the players. The number of players, the pitch size and the timings can vary depending on the physical outcomes desired by the coaching staff but here we are using eight outfield players divided into two teams of four plus keepers.

Play starts and restarts with a pass from one of the keepers to the blue passing team. The blues must pass the ball to keep hold of possession and they can use the help of both goalkeepers to create an overload in their favour. They score a point if they manage to make eight uninterrupted passes, as shown [1a].

1a

The other team (the reds) can score in both goals. They press to gain possession and if they succeed, they must attack the goal in the opposite half of the pitch to the one where they gained the ball, as shown [1b].

1b

Offsides count when crossing the halfway line so players must be in the half where the ball is to definitely be onside, unless there are also defenders in the opposite half.

We would usually play four to six games, so each team gets more than one turn in each role. We keep a note of the aggregate scores to keep it competitive.

How do I progress the activity?

This activity is normally used as the match element of our session, so the rules and restrictions are not changed too much during it. We feel that rather than needing to progress the practice, the scenarios will give the players the necessary challenges.

What are the key things to look out for?

For the team keeping possession, we want to see good supporting movements to keep the area as big as possible and to enable players to be in a position to receive the ball comfortably. They should also react fast to losing the ball and quickly transition into pressing and defending the goals.

For the team looking to counter-attack, the key decision to be made is whether to counter quickly or patiently build an attack. If they are winning the game, they may decide to just keep possession. When out of possession, this team needs to press hard in order to stop the opponents achieving their target of making eight passes [1c].

1c

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

Players may try to counter-attack when the other team are already in their shape and it may be better to build an attack patiently. They may also rush attacks when they have a lead and they could run the clock down by keeping possession.