Free Soccer Drills

OPPOSED

16

Supporting The Counter | Opposed Practice (16-P1)

Organisation / Set Up

Set up a 40 x 30 yard area, with 6 v 5 overload (depending on numbers) in one half of the grid, with a single player remaining in the opposite half. Team must make 10 consecutive passes to get a goal. If defenders regain possession, they must transfer the ball across to their teammate to join in to combine and defenders must press now in this area, leaving 1 player in other half.

Progression 1 | 2 v 1 On Regain

Leave extra player to support transfer, against 1 DF who must remain in this area.

Progression 2 | 5 Pass Transfer

Possession team can now transfer the ball after 5 passes in a 1 v 1. Player must create space as an option - Quick support.

Progression 3 | Support Runs To Finish

Goals added to provide direction and challenge. Once transferred support runners can combine to finish.

Key Coaching Points

Support transfer of the ball quickly and effectively. That's the name of the game here. Coaches must be aware that possession may be gained and regained in quick succession.
SPACE | On transfer players must recognise space to support quickly in order to maintain possession.
TIME | Challenge possession team to keep the ball for a certain amount of time before being able to drop a player out and transfer ball back into other half.
EQUIPMENT | 4 goals and halfway line adds focus and provides targets to encourage quick support.
PLAYERS | Could leave 2 or 3 out of the half to develop more possession with a number advantage.