Catch and Counter

Objective

• -Counter when a team is caught upfield
• -Recognise space left behind the ball
• -Press to force mistakes

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 30 x 20 yard pitch with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs for one side.
3. 3Start most players in the middle third and one player from each team high up the pitch.
4. 4Use spare balls at the coach for rapid restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a small-sided game to the mini goals.
2. 2The coach calls 'catch' whenever one team has too many players forward, and the other team must break quickly.
3. 3A goal scored within four seconds of the call counts double.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the coach restarts immediately to the team that can counter.
5. 5Encourage direct running and early passing.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Over-committing forward
• -Slow transition after the call
• -Hitting hopeful long balls