Free Soccer Drills
Skill
16
Supporting The Counter | Directional Skill Practice (16-P3)
Organisation / Set Up
Practice 3 in Theme 16 Supporting the counter focuses on the speed and type of support together with the recovery of defending players when overloaded. We begin with a ball into a striker, 1 v 1 against a single defender, with 2 attacking support players triggered on the coaches pass. 2 defenders are then able to recover after the striker takes their first touch. Defenders must delay as teammates recover in line with the goal.
Key Coaching Points
- (Tactical) Recognise effective types of support in different overload situations
- (Technical) Passing quality on the run, focusing on weight and accuracy of passes
- (Physical) Speed of support to break defensive lines with forward runs.
Progressions & Constraints 1
We can progress this by allowing a recovering defender to start their recovery at the same time as attackers support, creating a 3 v 2 much quicker, with a 3rd defender able to recover after 3 seconds. This will force attackers to make quicker decisions to exploit space, avoiding situations when defenders become balanced.
Progressions & Constraints 2
This shows how the practice could be set up with 7 players.
Key Questions
- How can you ensure your overload results in a shot on goal?
- How can you respond to 3 v 2 overloads and when do you need to perform more individually in counter?
- How are defenders protecting goal and how can you exploit this?