Match moments / The ball changes hands
The keeper starts the counter
When the keeper catches a cross, most of their team is in our box. A quick look, a throw to a wide player and a forward pass can be a goal in ten seconds.
In the match
- Decision 1Keeper
- Decision 2Full-back
- Decision 3Winger
You are our goalkeeper, with the ball.
You have caught it. Their players are in our box. What now?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Their attackers are behind the ball and facing the wrong way. A quick throw to a free full-back starts the counter before they turn.
It can work
Calm and safe, and sometimes right. Here the counter was on, and it has gone.
Costly
A long kick is a 50-50 against their defenders, who are facing it.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 2, with the ball on the wing.
Their attackers are behind you. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
A pass is faster than a run. One pass forward and their attackers are out of the game.
It can work
You get forward, but slower than a pass, and their players start to catch up.
Costly
Backwards, towards their attackers. The counter is over and the keeper is under pressure.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 7, our right winger.
You are running at their last two defenders, with 9 in the middle. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Running at them makes one defender choose. When they come to you, 9 is free.
It can work
From 40 metres the keeper has time. The chance was a pass away.
Costly
A counter lives on speed. Waiting lets their team get back.
How you know it is happening
- Our keeper has caught the ball.
- Their players are in or near our box.
- A teammate is wide and free.
Why it works
When the keeper catches a cross, the other team has committed players forward. For a few seconds there is space everywhere behind them. A fast throw and a forward pass use it before they recover.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- GKGoalkeeper
- Catch, look, throw.
- Throw to the side away from their players.
- If nothing is on, slow it down.
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Sprint wide the moment the keeper catches it.
- Pass forward first.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Stay up the pitch so the counter has a target.
- Run at the defender, then pass.
- STStriker
- Run through the middle to pull a defender.
How to explain it
- Practise "catch, look, throw" as one movement.
- Ask full-backs to sprint wide the moment the keeper has it.
- Count goals that started with the keeper.
On the training pitch
- With a friendGoalkeeper handlingThe technique underneath it, with one friend.
- The practice3v2 to goalThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameAttack, then defend: wavesA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- When the keeper catches it, ten seconds to score at the other end.
Three things to say
- Catch, look, throw.
- Sprint wide.
- Pass forward.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you look up straight away?
- Did anyone show for the throw?
What to look back on
- How many catches led to an attack?