Tactics / Transitions

Rest defence

While we attack, a few players stay behind the ball, already in position to stop a counter-attack if we lose it.

TransitionFrom 7v7Match moment: We have just lost itMatch moment: Take a cornerMatch moment: Five minutes left, one upMatch moment: One down, time running out

REST DEFENCE791181023645GK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Most counter-attacks start the moment an attack breaks down. If two or three players are already between the ball and our goal, their forwards have nowhere to run.

What players do

  • Decide who stays: often the two centre-backs and the holding midfielder in 11v11.
  • Stay close enough to the attack to win the clearance.
  • Mark their forwards loosely, on the goal side.
  • When the ball is lost, step in to win it rather than backing off.

Common mistakes

  • Everyone joining the attack, so one lost pass is a goal against.
  • Staying so deep that every clearance lands with their forwards.
  • Rest defenders facing the attack and losing track of their forwards.

With young players

In 5v5 and 7v7, a simple rule works: "one always back". From 9v9, two.

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: The keeper starts the counter

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
    • Push up behind the rest defence to sweep.
    • Stand high behind the rest defence to sweep long balls.
    • Count the players back: at least two plus you.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Centre-backs: stay behind the ball, close to their forwards.
    • Win the long ball out before it bounces.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Holding midfielder: stay in front of the centre-backs.
    • Close the first pass when we lose it.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Attack knowing the back is safe.
    • If you lose it, press: the rest defence is there behind you.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

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