Tactics / Transition
The counter-attack
The moment you win the ball, look forward. Attack quickly while the other team is still spread out.
Why it works
A team that has just lost the ball is out of shape. For a few seconds there are gaps everywhere. Fast, forward play uses them before they close.
What players do
- First look forward. Can the ball go past the opponents straight away?
- Runners sprint at once, wide and through the middle.
- Few touches. Every extra touch gives defenders time to recover.
With young players
Try the 3v2 to goal, with a ten-second limit.
Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch. Orange attacks left to right; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.