Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Counter Play/ Transition

Warm Up

Organization:

Set up as shown.

Instructions:

2 x teams of 6 in each area with a ball each and number themselves 1-6. Teams take it in turns to send 1 player at a time into the opposition area coming up with a trigger to send a player out so that the other team isn't made aware. As soon as player moves to enter the opposition area the other team have to send 1 player to their area and it is a race to get to the opposition area first. All players that are in the area have to perform a ball mastery exercise until they move to the other half.

Coaching Points:

• Awareness of space, teammates and opposition players - Players should be encouraged to have their heads up when dribbling to scan and assess where the ball, space, team mates and opposition are.

• Change of speed and direction - On recognising the opportunity to counter attack, players should have a first touch out of feet and explode into the space.

• Ball mastery moves and turns - As the space is constantly changing, players need to continue moving with the ball and use ball mastery skills to maintain possession and be ready to change direction and explode into the space.

Progressions:

1. Add a player in the middle zone to combine play in order to get to the other area.

2. Add a defender in the middle zone for players to beat when going to the other area.

3. Add a defender in each area to put pressure on players who are performing ball mastery and 1v1 moves.

Scenario Game

Organization:

Set up as shown. 2 x Teams of 6v6 scenario game with one team (Reds) being a team who have to play clever, inventive passing dribbling to break down the Blue defence. To score all Red players must be in the attacking half which will then give the opportunity for Blues to counter attack score. Teams rotate roles on coach's call.

Instructions:

Reds setup in a 1-2-3 formation. Reds = You are a team that play quick, inventive passing need to break down the opposition defence all players needs to be in attacking half to score.

Blues setup in a 1-3-1-1 formation. Blues = You are a team that defends deep to counter attack.

Coaching Points:

• Speed of the attacks to catch defence unbalanced - Teams need to come up with a strategy to regain possession and then attack quickly, with width and depth, to attack the opposition goal through quick individual or collective play.

• Options ahead of the ball - In order to counter attack, the team in possession must penetrate the opposition through dribbling, long passing or combinations and a passing option ahead of the ball can help to disorganise the defence.

• Movements to attack space and receive - Player movements can support the attack with overlaps, underlaps, come short to spin in behind, go long to drop short and receive.