By Danny Carvalho
In modern soccer, a deadly counter attack can sometimes be what determines a good or a bad result. For this reason, we must be effective right after losing the ball when we are transitioning from attack to defense.
In today’s session we are going to talk about and work on delaying counter-attacks.
Warm Up
1-) 1 v 0 dribbling to the other side. Leave the ball there
2-) 2 v 1 with black team recovering (transition to defend) and yellow in possession
3-) 3 v 2 with yellow recovering and black in possession
4-) 4 v 3 with black recovering and yellow in possession
5-) 5 v 4 with yellow recovering and black in possession
Defenders will only shadow play (won't try to win the ball)
Activity 1
The pattern is the same as it is on the warmup but now with goals and the opposition tries to win the ball and score. Team gets one point every time they win the ball or opponents can’t attempt a shot. Team gets minus one point if opponents attempt on goal, and gets minus two points if opponents score a goal.
COACHING POINTS:
- Can you press?
- Close the center.
- Body position to delay or to force opponent to dribble to the side line
- Close passing lines
Activity 2
4v4 small-sided scrimmage. Every time a team successfully delays a counter attack they get one point. Goal scored = 2 points for scoring team and minus one for the team conceding.
COACHING POINTS
- Force opponent out and gain time so your players can get back and help on defense
- Don’t make your position obvious. Position 50% closing the passing line, 50% avoiding progression towards your goal
Activity 3
End with a scrimmage to get them to apply their acquired knowledge and the new tactical concepts into a near game like scenario. Remind them of the coaching points without stopping the game too much to correct stuff.
By Danny Carvalho, DOC at Corinthians Campinas Youth Club, Brasil
