IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CRYSTAL PALACE Ben Garner
Defending against counter- attacks
Overview:
Defending against the counter-attack and reacting quickly to these transitions of play is important. That’s because in the modern era, once teams win possession they are capable of breaking forward at great speed and with real quality. The ability to make the correct countering defensive decisions is a core part of being a successful defender.
In every match we play we see teams attempt to counter- attack, particularly when they are playing expansive, passing football, or are chasing a game.
We will often flip this session on its head and change the focus so that it is intended for own our attackers when they break forward at pace.
DEFENDINGAGAINSTCOUNTER-ATTACKS
SET-UP AREA
Half pitch plus 10-yard channel past halfway line, in which are two target boxes EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS
16: Team 1: 1 keeper, 4 defenders, 1 def mid, 2 target players Team 2: 2 full backs, 2 central mids, 1 attacking mid, 2 wingers, 1 forward
What do I get the players to do?
Play starts from the keeper, with the white team attempting to play forward, working the ball to either of their target players who are fixed in the target boxes past the halfway line. Whites must use their numerical advantage in midfield to play between or over the four defenders on the halfway line.
The blue team uses their fixed line of defenders to remain disciplined in front of the halfway line, screening the two white target players. Their aim is to block the route through to the target players and turn over possession.
“Players should know when to stay with movement and when to prioritise attacking the ball.”
If the white team can get the ball to either target man they score a goal and play restarts with the keeper. If blues gain possession of the ball though, all players are free to counter- attack. The white target players are also freed and must attempt to recover quickly, but their isolated position effectively means
66 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1
1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Quick build-up play from the back results in a point being scored as the target player receives the ball
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
In this instance, the rigid line of four defenders achieves its aim and turn over possession
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Blues launch a counter- attack, though a white target player recovers quickly to hold-up play
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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