Counter-attacking with speed

Organisation

• Use three quarters of the court.

• Place a goal at each end of the exercise area.

• Position a goalkeeper in each goal. 

• Place a defender in each half. 

• Position a player at each end of the halfway line.

• Split the remaining group of players into two and position them behind the goals.

Explanation

• The exercise starts with one of the goalkeepers throwing the ball to one of the players positioned at either end of the halfway line. 

• This player decides which goal they wish to attack, and they are joined in attack by the player positioned at the other end of the halfway line to create a 2v1 scenario.

• Once the sequence is completed, the attacking players leave the pitch and wait behind the goal they were attacking. 

• Two new attackers enter the pitch from behind the goal and attack the opposite goal along with the defending player in the previous sequence to create a 3v1 scenario.

• The two players who began the exercise occupying the role of defenders take up a position at either end of the halfway line.

• The two players who entered the pitch to set up the 3v1 scenario become the defenders.

• The two goalkeepers take it in turns to begin the sequence. 

Variation

• The counter-attack is launched by a player who dribbles the ball from behind the goal.

Coaching points

• The goalkeepers should launch the counter-attacks as quickly as possible.

• The ball carrier should focus on attacking down the central channel of the pitch to engage the opposing defender.

• Passes should be played forwards, and directional controls should progress play forwards at all times.