By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Today’s featured activity works on transition for quick counter attacks.
Start with 5 attackers (2 forwards and 3 midfielders) attacking a goal with a keeper, 4 backs and 2 midfielders.
Next we add 2 outside midfielders for the defending team BUT they do not get involved with defending in this activity. They stay outside and are there for counter attack purposes. We also add a goal 10 yards beyond midfield with a keeper.
The attacking team (in this case, the yellow team) starts with the ball and tries to get to goal. They play as if it’s a normal small sided and try to score. When the black team wins the ball they only have 2 touches to get the ball out wide to the outside midfielders and try to get forward quickly.
If the keeper makes a save the same concept applies and he tries to distribute out wide for the quick counter.
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The objective of this activity is to get the team that starts off defending to realize that when they win the ball they shouldn't relax but rather should look for the quick release and then get forward quickly. If, using the example in these diagrams, the black team wins the ball and starts with a slow build up, the play is over and the game starts back up with the yellow team in possession and the outside midfielders getting wide for the next counter.
Hopefully, the players will catch on that this isn't just an exercise but rather is something they should be looking to do in real games as well.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
