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Counter-Attack from Central Midfield

Improve players' ability to transition quickly from defense to attack.

AttackingU12U13U14U15U16U17U18Seniorschedule25mgroup8 players minimum
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Equipment, Setup & Instructions
Equipment
  • 8 Bibs
  • Cones
  • 10 Balls
  • Flat cones
  • 2 Goals
Setup
  1. Area: 70x50 yard area marked with flat cones
  2. Goals: One goal centred on each end line of the area
  3. Team Blue: 3 blue outfield players start in the central area as the attacking team
  4. Team Red: 3 red outfield players start in the central area as the defending team
  5. Neutral: 2 black floater players, one positioned in the central area to support the team in possession and one (player 'A') positioned 20 yards from one goal as the target outlet
  6. Coach: 1 grey coach positioned at the edge of the central area to serve the ball in and start each phase
  7. Equipment: Flat cones marking the corners and boundaries of the 70x50 yard area, 2 goals positioned at either end
Instructions
  1. The coach serves the ball into the central area to start the practice.
  2. The attacking team must complete 5 consecutive passes to maintain possession.
  3. After 5 passes, they look to play the ball into or behind player 'A'.
  4. One additional player can break from the central area to support 'A' creating a 5v2 scenario.
  5. The aim is to achieve a shot on goal.
  6. If the defenders win possession, they quickly counter-attack towards the opposite goal.
  7. Once play breaks down, restart with the same initial setup.
Coaching Points
  • Look to create the shape of a triangle to facilitate ball movement.
  • Rotate positions to exploit space and maintain possession.
  • Focus on short passing accuracy to retain control.
  • Utilize turns to escape pressure and find open areas.
  • Engage in football-specific movements like quick sprints and changes of direction.
  • Stay calm and composed when in possession, keeping your head up to view the field.
Variations
Make it harder:
1. Add more defenders to increase pressure during possession.
2. Reduce the space of the playing area to demand quicker decision-making.
3. Require more passes before playing the ball to player 'A'.
Make it easier:
1. Allow less passes before playing to player 'A'.
2. Use additional floaters to support the team in possession.
3. Widen the playing area to provide more space for players.
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