Movement for effective counter attacking

The session is about creating overloads with over and underlaps, to gain an advantage to get into shooting situations. We will look to go into detail of the types of runs we want to see, with effective dribbling and driving techniques unopposed and opposed. 

We start with a passing drill of threes to create a fun way to practice the detail of the movements needed for the progression of the drill.

Straightaway, this approach usually gets the players collaborating and communicating, using the different types of movements we were planning to practice.

We would look to run the session when it suited, dependent on upcoming opposition. If, for example, we were playing a team we were expecting to dominate in possession, we would use this drill as a lead into a counter attacking practice. 

“This approach usually gets the players collaborating and communicating, using the different types of movements we were planning to practice”

PASSING DRILL OVERLAPS

Eighteen players are split into two groups, situated 20 yards apart, in three lines of three [1]. 

[1]

1. The players are split into two groups 20 yards apart

2. One group starts with the ball; they pass it between the three of them, with players making overlapping runs and switching positions in progressing 
3. They then play the ball to the other group, who do the same going the other way 

One group starts with the ball, aiming to pass it between them, with players making overlapping runs and switching positions while progressing up the pitch. They will then play the ball to a player at the front of the other group, who will do the same going the other way. 

3v2s OVERLAPS & DROPOUT

Half a full size pitch is used, with a goal now in place, guarded by a goalkeeper. The same number of outfield players are used, with 12 players attacking v six defenders. The attackers line up in four sets of three, 20 yards back from the edge of the penalty area. The width of these players is coned off, along with two corners of the area. The six defenders will start from the goal-line - three on either side of the goal. A coach will play a ball into one of the three attackers - at this point two defenders will enter the pitch, one from either side of the goal. The three attackers will look to take on the two defenders, making overlapping runs and switching positions, with the aim of creating a scoring chance  [2]. 

[2]

1. Twelve players will attack (4x3), starting 20 yards from the edge of the penalty area; the starting width of these players will be coned off, along with two corners of the area 

2. Six players will defend – the starting position being three either side of goal
3. A coach starts by playing a ball into one of the three attackers, which is when two defenders will enter the pitch - one from either side of the goal 
4. The three attackers will take on the two defenders, making overlapping runs and switching positions in aiming to score 

POSSESSION BREAK OUT TRANSITION

The full pitch is used for this exercise, with a goal and goalkeeper at either end. The central area is marked out 44 yards wide by 30 yards long; the rest of the centre is coned off. The 18 outfield players are made up of six reds and six blues in the area, with one attacker and two defenders from each team at opposite ends. The coach begins by playing a ball into the red team. The team must achieve a certain number of passes before they can play the ball forward to their striker. At this point one player from the box can now join the striker, making it a 2v2, as they aim to score [3a].

[3a]

1. An area 44 yards wide x 30 yards long is set up in the middle of the pitch, with the rest of the central area coned off – 6 reds v 6 blues will be here

2. Two defenders and one attacker from each team will be based at opposite ends
3. The coach plays a ball into the red team in the area
4. The team must achieve a certain number of passes before they can play it to their striker 
5. One player from the box can then join the striker, to make it a 2v2 in aiming to score

The coach plays a ball into the blues, who achieve the required number of passes (which will vary depending on coach preference), then play the ball to their striker. They will attempt to play the ball to their team-mate making an overlapping run – but this is blocked by a red defender. The defender will then play the ball back into the central area so the red team can attempt to make a required number of passes, and then send play the other way towards the opposite goal with the aim of scoring [3b].

[3b]

1. The coach plays a ball into the blues, who achieve the required number of passes, then play the ball to their striker 

2. The striker attempts to play the ball to their team-mate making an overlapping run – but this is intercepted by a red defender 
3. The defender plays the ball back into the centre of the pitch so the red team can then attempt to make a number of passes and send play the other way towards goal

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look for?

We want the players to create overloads by using overlaps. 

Similarly, when using underlaps, we’ll be encouraging lots of communication. 

In using overlaps and underlaps we also want the players to make full use of the space created, taking advantage of the extra player.

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

We don’t want the players to run in straight lines, so a key part of the session will be to encourage the players to take their first touch on an angle. 

As mentioned, we want to hear the players communicating, so under communicating is something to look out for - in demonstrations and explanations. 

Failure to utilise the space created is also another factor – again, in demonstrations and interventions around keeping the player on the opposite side out wide.