High speed counter-attacks

The session is about counter-attacking. It specifically encourages attackers to make key penetrating movements that are all very realistic to a game situation.

The counter-attack is an integral element of the modern game and teams can utilise this tactic to their advantage. In the Premier League, the average counter-attack lasts 14.7 seconds, however for a counter-attack ending in a shot, the average is 16.7 seconds.

In this session, giving the players eight seconds to score works well for us. This makes the session realistic to the game as a good amount of goals are now scored on the break against a defence that is out of shape. However, if needed the time restrictions can be adapted to meet the demands of the level played at.

In this session, the players particularly enjoy being given some freedom in terms of their attacking combinations.

Typically, we will run this practice on a Tuesday (MD-4). Most players will see this as just an attacking session, however the defenders are equally important because we need to be clinical both when attacking and defending.

What do I get the players to do?

Attack v defence

We set up between the penalty boxes with a goal and a keeper at each end. The playing area is coned off to the width of the penalty area. We’re using 18 outfield players, split into six defenders (the reds) and 12 attackers (the blues). Three defenders and two attackers start in each half. The remaining eight attackers wait in pairs on either side of both goals.

Play begins with the attackers beside one of the goals. Two of them enter the playing area and combine before passing to their team mates in the other half and making runs to follow the ball, as shown [1a]. This creates a 4v3 overload in the attackers’ favour, but they must move quickly as teams only have eight seconds to score.

1a

Once the eight seconds are up or the ball has gone dead in the first attack, the coach then serves a random pass into an attacker, who receives the ball on the half turn. The player then combines with his team mates to attack the same goal as before, as shown [1b]. This phase is intended to represent a counter-attack failing but the ball being recovered by a team mate, who launches a second counter-attack.

1b

After the second attack is dead, repeat the practice in the opposite direction, as shown [1c].

1c

How do I progress the activity?

We can limit the amount of touches a player makes on the ball or change the time constraints. We can also add or remove players from either of the teams. The starting positions of the defenders are also adaptable and we can start them deeper to encourage early crosses. 

To give the keepers involvement in the attacking phase, they could play the ball directly to the forwards.

What are the key things to look out for?

Technically there are a lot of elements that will be tested by this activity. We want to see attackers using positive and progressive play to maintain a good tempo in the attacking waves. We also want to see players getting their shots off quickly and clinically but without resorting to forcing play when the shot isn’t on. 

We encourage attackers to make the pitch big, using the spare man to their advantage. We also ask players to use different types of delivery, such as crosses, cut backs and through balls.

In the second wave, we want to see the attacker using a good first touch when receiving from coach.

Tactically the areas that the players run into are vital, as two attacking players cannot be mirroring each other’s runs. Positive overlaps are also encouraged.

This drill is demanding and requires a good level of physical output.  Also, working under the pressure of a time constraint will benefit the mentality of the players. Being able to work quickly and under pressure are all key to the modern game, so we test this to the maximum in our training sessions.

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

The practice won’t go smoothly if we have a striker who holds on to the ball for too long or doesn’t hold it up enough. We must also ensure that the attackers do not keep repeating the same runs and combinations, as this will make them too predicable.

Problems also arise if the midfield players don’t play the ball to the attackers early enough, or if the wide man fails to take on the defender in a 1v1 because he’s not positive or aggressive enough.

Players need to ensure that the activity is match-realistic and played at pace – it won’t work if the players are operating at half pace.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Small-sided game

Next we play a small-sided game. The area size can be adapted to suit the numbers, but here we are playing 9v9 including goalkeepers, in an area of 60x40 yards, as shown [2]. Condition the game so that once the ball passes into the opposition half, there is only six seconds to score.

2

How do I progress the game?

To progress the game we can restrict attackers to using a one-touch finish. We will also condition the defending team to make a minimum of four passes after winning the ball back from their opponents and we encourage them to play forwards when possible.

What are the key things to look out for in the game?

Make sure that the attacking team incorporates all of the coaching points from the initial practice. 

We also want to see the wide player on the opposite side to the attack getting into the box for a cutback, or to meet a cross. 

Players should look sharp in front of goal and capitalise on any rebounds.