Attacking quickly on regains

PATTERNS OF PLAY

We set up on a two-thirds pitch. This is an attacking wave practice aimed at integrating technical-tactical objectives with specific physical work. We have four attacking players – two wide (7,11) and two central players (10, 9). Central players play against two central defenders (5,6 and GK) in 4v2+GK to goal.

The practice starts [1a] with long pass from GK into 7 or 11, who controls the ball and plays a precise pass into the opposite far central player (9 or 10) who creates space to receive facing forward. That player then plays a quick square pass with the other central player. As this pass is being played, the second wide player (7,11) begins to make a long forward run in behind the two mannequins. Player 9 here targets the space between mannequins which presents the far side central defender and full-back. The wide player attacks the space beyond the mannequins.

[1a]

1. Long pass from GK into 7
2. 7 controls ball and plays a precise pass into opposite far central player (10)
3. 10 plays quick square pass with other central player (9)
4. Other wide player runs in behind two mannequins

As the mannequin line is broken, the two central defenders (positioned next to central mannequins) become active. A 4v2 attacking overload then plays to completion in the final third [1b].

As each attack finishes, the four attacking players must recover back to starting point quickly. This simulates a long recovery run following loss of possession in a game.

The practice then restarts with four new attackers, with two defenders recovering to their initial start points in readiness for their next wave of attackers.

We run this for three reps of four minutes, with one minute of rest between blocks.

[1b]

1. Central defenders become active when mannequin line is broken
2. 4v2 attacking overload plays to completion

We can vary this practice [1c], making use of 11, who comes inside field to play a combination with the central players (9,10), involving three players before ball is played wide. Following an infield pass from 7 to 11 who links up with 9 playing with their back to goal, they then set to 10 in a pocket of space to play a first-time pass between the far side full-back and central defender (as indicated by mannequins) for the wide player (7) to receive in half space, who then crosses ball for the other three players, all of whom should make runs into the box [1d]. Only one wide player is involved in this variation. The forward pass that splits the mannequins should be weighed so that the oncoming wide player is able to take the ball into their stride. This requires a precise weight that means the ball is neither overhit nor under hit. If the player playing this pass needs to shorten the distance, they are encouraged to take a heavy forward touch beforehand. 

The central players in both variations of practice should aim to make diagonal runs that cross over by using deceptive movements to plant uncertainty in the minds of the two central defenders and give them decisions to make.

Assuming that the wide player carrying the ball is not in position to shoot, they should target early crosses that find the space between the two central defenders and goalkeeper. 

[1c]

1. Play starts with 7, who passes to opposite wide player
2. 11 comes in to play combination with central players
3. Central player plays first-time past the mannequin line
4. Starting wide player makes run to receive in half space

[1d]

1. The other three blue players make runs into the box
2. Attack plays to completion

WAVE PRACTICE

We set up on a full pitch. This is a wave practice in which players repeatedly attack 4v1 against an opposition defender and goalkeeper. This situation represents a counterattack. The ball starts with a goalkeeper. Initially the goalkeeper’s distribution is towards either wide player (7,11). As the goalkeeper plays this pass, two runners - in this case 2 and 3 - join the attack from a position next to the goal from which play starts [2a]. As the ball reaches the attacking half, the two runners and the receivers of the ball - here 11 and 9 - create a 4v1 against the defender (5). As each wave plays to completion, players are required to recover back to their initial starting positions.

Play then restarts with the opposite goalkeeper, who plays into the opposite wide player not involved in first move (in this case 7). Then they attack alongside the other (10) and two more runners from behind the goals from which play now starts.

We run this for three reps of four minutes, with a rest period of one minute between blocks.

[2a]

1. Goalkeeper passes to wide player
2. Two runners join the attack as the pass is played
3. Blue wide player, two runners, and the blue player in opposition half create a 4v1 against red defender
4. Move plays to completion

We can progress this [2b]. This variation of the practice entails a recovery runner (3) joining the central defender (5) as quickly as possible to create a 2v4 situation. The recovery runner starts from the halfway line as the ball leaves the goalkeeper. They recover from the opposite side to which the ball has been played. Each player is involved (alternating) in every other wave. The runners who join the attack from a position next to either goal should show hard running in joining the attack [2c]. This should reflect the moment of attacking transition in a game: players must outrun their opponents in order to gain an advantage as they reach the final third.

After receiving from the goalkeeper, the wide ball-carriers should aim to take as few touches as possible in either using the space in front of them or committing the defender.

A central touch allows them to open the pitch, draw the defender in and then slide the ball to a teammate in space.  As the practice progresses, the presence of a recovery runner adds pressure in this situation. The more efficient the ball-carrier can be in their attacking play, the less chance the recovery runner has of joining their teammate in time to stop the attack.

The ball carrier should aim to leave the ball secure for the next player who receives it. Their pass should be played in such a way that the momentum of each attack continues: playing in front of the receiver, so they don’t need to break their stride as they take the ball, is crucial.

As the practice moves to first and second variations, the recovery runner should show a real aggression and intensity in how they attempt to make the 2v4 situation. They should try to outrun the opposition forwards in order to be well positioned to kill the counterattack as the ball arrives at the edge of the penalty area. 

[2b]

1. Goalkeeper plays to blue wide player
2. Yellow runners move as soon as pass is played
3. So does Red 3, a recovery defender on the opposite side to which the pass is played
4. Red 3 supports Red 5 in defending, creating a 4v2

[2c]

1. Blues and the yellow runners play move to completion

8v9 PLUS GOALKEEPERS 

We set up on a two-thirds pitch.

This is an 8v9 conditioned game in which we make use of a funnelled pitch at one end to promote certain behaviours among the players. Predominantly, the game is played in one half of pitch (the non-funnelled half). After the start [3] the main focus is on the blues defending the goal to the right and counter-attacking to the left. They can position themselves to be able to reinitiate the practice with new ball. The team that is the principal focus of the practice, defending and counter-attacking, defends their half with two banks of 4 and 3. They have a 9 in the opposite half to use on counter-attack. The team attacking from left to right (reds) has two central midfielders, two full-backs, two wide midfield players and one forward. They also have a central defender in their own half (5) who marks the opposition 9.

The attacking team attempts to beat the defending team’s block (they must do so within ten seconds otherwise a new ball is served into the defending team) while the defending team must remain compact, try to intercept the ball and then counter-attack quickly. 

The diagram shows the point at which the defending team are in the moment of attacking transition: constrained by the funnel in their attacking half, they must use direct counter-attacks towards goal upon stealing the ball. When this team’s counter-attack plays to a finish, play then restarts. 

We run this for four sets of five minutes with one minute of rest in between blocks.

[3]

1. Blues at the moment of transition: they are defending goal to the right in two banks of 4 and 3
2. Blue 4 has won the ball, team are now counter-attacking goal to the left, in the funnelled half

FURTHER PROGRESSION

Once players have mastered the initial quick transition drills, the next step is to progress the drill, adding layers of complexity, pressure, and realism to match actual game demands. I would do that with a rapid response scrimmage, splitting my squad into four teams: Defence A, Defence B, Attack A, Attack B. We begin with Defence A v Attack A; when this plays to completion or the ball turns over, the coach blows the whistle or gives another indicator, and Defence A immediately move into attack, with Attack A exiting the field, replaced with Defence B, who run on from the sidelines. This procedure repeats. You can make it more complicated by adding more conditions: shortening the length of time the attacking team have to complete their move, limiting the number of passes, and so on.

Following that, a small-sided game is one of the most effective ways to assess what players have learned, especially after transition-focused drills. It brings everything together: speed, decision-making, communication, and tactical discipline — all under pressure. I would run a 7v7 or 9v9, rotating attack and defence every four plays, in an area 40yds long and full-field width, to force quick decisions in limited space, encourage fast transitions, keeping pressure high and reps tight. I would run with the rules of starting on the 40-yard line, giving the attacking team four plays to score. If the attack is incomplete or the balls turns over, the coach calls for teams to change, and the attack restarts immediately with the new unit.

WHAT PLAYERS GET PRAISED FOR

Communication under pressure: calling out formations, making checks, organising teammates on the fly. “Great job directing the switch — that’s leadership!”

Sprinting into/out of the zone without confusion.

Situational awareness: recognising down and distance, clock, or special scenario (red zone, turnover). “Smart choice going underneath with no time-outs left — that’s awareness!”

Resilience: responding after a mistake or long series with focus and intent. “That’s the response we want — shake it off, move on, next play!”

WHAT PLAYERS GET SPECIFICALLY COACHED ON

Pre-snap alignment: “Get set before you look to the sideline.”

Tempo control: “Fast doesn’t mean frantic — fast means ready.”

Verbal communication: “Give a clear call, not a mumble. Help the next guy.”

Clock awareness: “Check the game clock after the play — don’t guess.”

Transition role clarity: “If the ball changes, know immediately who you are.”

Leadership emergence: “Who’s talking? Who’s organising the next snap?”

coaching points

What are the key things to look out for?

Physical detail

Making the box: Attacking players need to show a high intensity in the way they attack the box from deep starting positions. This is to ensure that as the crosser lifts their head, there are three attackers in position beyond the mannequins and ready to attack the ball.

Aggressive recovery runs: Following each attack, the four attackers should be encouraged to recover back to their start positions in a way that reflects their team having lost possession and them showing a real urgency to defend.

“It is crucial that the defensive team shows a real aggression in their attempt to steal the ball when opportunities arise to do so”

Out of possession: distances between units

In the 8v9, encourage the defensive team operating with two close banks of 4 and 3 to maintain distances no more than 12 yards between the two defensive units. This minimises the opportunity for opposition players to receive the ball between the lines.

Proactive defending: While defending their half in the 8v9, the two banks of 4 and 3 should attempt to make opposition play predictable, sliding as the ball moves. However, it is crucial that the defensive team shows a real aggression in their attempt to steal the ball when opportunities arise to do so. Players are encouraged to defend on the front foot.

Intercept, don’t tackle: As a general rule, the defensive team should be encouraged to intercept the ball following the anticipation of an opposition pass, rather than to win the ball through a tackle. This facilitates a cleaner, faster counter-attack.

Ball side, goal side: In order to be best positioned to intercept, the defensive team’s players are encouraged to be ball side and goal side, defending on the outside shoulder of their opponent. This means they are ready to jump when they see an opportunity to intercept.

Offensive transition

As the ball is won in the 8v9 and moved into the opposition half, the back line must move up at the pace of the ball. This keeps the team together and ensures that, if the ball is lost in the opposition’s half, they’re well positioned to counter-press and win it back within six seconds.

Using the space in behind: As soon as the blues steal the ball in their own half, the defending team’s players should be encouraged to use the space beyond the opposition’s central defender. They should decide upon the most effective way of counter-attacking at the point of interception: to play into 9’s feet, to play towards the space either side or behind the central defender, or run with the ball.

Build if they are set: If it isn’t possible to counter-attack quickly towards goal, the defending team should be encouraged to build more slowly from their own half with a more organised positional structure.

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

Look out for drifting mentally between reps, not being locked in during transitions or when off the ball, silent or passive body language, not stepping up vocally or fading after a mistake, and slow responses to a turnover.