key Information

Phase – Youth Development Phase

Theme – Transition & Defending

Title – Coach players to counter attack effectively from the middle or defensive third to exploit out of balance defenses and create opportunities to score.

5 W’s –   Who – Defenders/Midfield Players

Where – Midfield/Defensive third

When – On gaining Possession

What – Effective Counter Attacking

Why – To exploit out of balance defenses

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Exercise One

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Set Up – 10×10 yd Square with 2 yd gates placed 1 yd from the center of each side. Alter square size based on #’s.

#’s – 3v1, 4v1, 4v2 or 5v2. Alter numbers based on ability & or player availability.

Organization – Attacking team keep possession in side square. On gaining possession the two defenders transition quickly and try to run the ball between any of the 4 gates. Change pair every minute.

Key Points –

1.Attacking team keep the ball properly

2.Defenders defend well, with appropriate pressure & cover

3.While defending the pair are conscious of attacking opportunities. ie Open gate/s

4.On gaining possession there is a quick reaction to try and get through a gate

5.Encourage the pair to work together. Can I get through a gate or is my partner in a better position to score

Exercise One Progression

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Set Up – 10×10 yd Square. Alter square size based on #’s.

#’s –4v2, 5v2 or 6v2. Alter numbers based on ability & or player availability.

Organization – Attacking team keep possession in side square. On gaining possession the two defenders transition quickly and try to combine with a pass to their partner. Change pair every minute

Key Points –

1.Attacking team keep the ball properly

2.Defenders defend well, with appropriate pressure & cover

3.While defending the pair are conscious of attacking opportunities. ie Spaces in front of 1st defender

4.On gaining possession there is a quick reaction to try and make an early pass

5.Run of 2nd defender is critical. Ideally in front of 1st defender, timing, weight of pass,

Exercise Two

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Set Up – 35×25 yd area with 10 x 10 yd square placed 1 yd from each end line. Color code squares to help players understand

#’s – 4v4 or 5v5. Can be more players, but must increase box size & overall space to accommodate.

Organization – Each team owns a square. 1 or 2 players (Depending on ability & numbers) from opposite team may enter their opponents square. Gain a point by making 10 consecutive passes inside your home square. Defenders look to win the ball and transition into their home square.

Key Points –

1.Support defender in opposition square by taking positions close to the opposition box.

2.Ways to win the ball. Tackle, intercept, spoil. (Tackle-pass or intercept-pass) Supporting players ready to exploit good defending

3.On gaining possession can the defender transfer play to their home box as quickly as possible. (Pass/RWTB, which is best or appropriate)

4.Is it always on to pass directly? May need to pass backwards to go forwards. Work on position of highest team mate. They are the out ball.

5.Players A & B are critical to support the defending and support the counter attack.

Exercise Three

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Set Up – 35×25 yd area with goal and 2 x gates to transition into

#’s – 4v4 or 5v5. Can be more players, but must increase overall space to accommodate. Neutral player can be added.

Organization – Ball starts with team attacking the goal. They look to score normally. On gaining possession the defending team look to counter by RWTB through either gate. If they counter successfully they attack the goal in the next phase.

Key Points –

1.Defend effectively, pressure cover balance. Discuss line of pressure, how can we encourage attackers to advance? Why is this good?

2.Decision making of 1st defender. Pass/dribble/RWTB. Coach what you see Think optimal decision.

3.Look to score quickly by exploiting space behind defenders and supporting the counter. The team that supports fastest will win. Create overloads with quick support.

4.Supporting positions & movement. At least 1 player can make a forward run. Coach the run, attack both gates,

5.Clever movement in advanced positions to open up scoring opportunities.

6.Improvisation and creativity in 1v1 situations.

Exercise Four

Principles – Support, Movement, Penetration, Spread Out & Improvisation

Set Up – 35×25 yd Pitch

#’s – 4v4 or 5v5. Can be more players, but must increase overall space to accommodate. Can have neutral to promote dropping off to counter.

Organization – Game

Key Points –

1.Reinforce key points from previous exercises

2.Coach What you see (Related to the topic)

3.Leave the last 10 mins for complete free play with little or no interruption