Tactics / Transitions

The counter-attack

The moment you win the ball, look forward. Attack quickly while the other team is still spread out.

TransitionFrom 5v5Match moment: We have just won itMatch moment: Defend a cornerMatch moment: Through on goalMatch moment: The keeper starts the counterMatch moment: Three against two on the break

GK649711GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

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.

Common mistakes

  • Taking extra touches when you win it, so the other team gets back.
  • Everyone running straight, in one line, so there is no width.
  • Players who are not involved stopping to watch, instead of supporting.

With young players

Try the 3v2 to goal, with a ten-second limit.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Play out from the back

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Throw or roll it out quickly to a free player when you catch it.
    • Look up before you throw: is anyone free in front?
    • If not, slow it down and keep the ball.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Win it, look forward first, then support.
    • Do not join the counter if you are the last defender.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Play forward early; then sprint to support.
    • One or two touches, then pass forward.
    • Sprint to support after you pass.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Sprint wide and through the middle the moment we win it.
    • Wingers: sprint wide, then in, to get beyond the ball.
    • Striker: run through the middle and pull a defender with you.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.