Counter Attack # 1
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Basic Information
Age Group: (8-11yrs) (12-15yrs) (16-Adult)
Number of Players: 10+
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Time: 20-30 min.
Emphasis: Attacking, Defending, Finishing, Passing
Field Preparation:
- 2 teams
- cones to mark off area
- 2 centre squares 5yds x 5yds
- 2 goals with goalkeepers
- pinnies
Description:
- each team defends and attacks one goal
- teams play 2v2 in one half and 4v4 in the other half
- one neutral player in each centre square
- players must stay in their designated zone
- a defending player must try to pass to a neutral player inside the middle square
- the neutral player then passes to a player from the team in possession into the attacking half
- the neutral player may advance into the attacking half to support the attacking players
- one neutral player always must be in the neutral zone as a supporting player
- neutral players return to their square as soon as the attacking team loses the ball
- switch roles after appr. 10 minutes
Variation:
- allow only the team with four defenders in one half to pass directly to their two attackers (without support by the neutral players)
- allow only the team with two defenders in one half to pass directly to their four attackers (without support by the neutral players)
- limit number of touches
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group
Coaching Points:
Attacking:
- angle, distance and timing of support
- body position – open to field
- decision making
- verbal and visual communication
- quick finish
- quick transitions
- support position lateral to ball
Defending:
- angle and distance of cover
- changing role of pressure and cover
- visual and verbal communication
- positioning to provide cover and balance
- intercepting pass
- defending vital space (squeeze toward center)
- defending space behind
- tracking players
- quick transitions
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