Counter Final Third Entry

Objective

• -Break into the final third with purpose
• -Combine between midfield and attack
• -Finish the attack with a shot on goal

Setup

1. 1A pitch split into a build-up zone and a final third in a 50 x 40 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3Balls with the build-up team, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team builds up in the first zone with limited defenders.
2. 2Entry into the final third releases two supporting runners.
3. 3The attack must finish inside ten seconds of entry.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Slow, sideways build-up
• -Entering with no support
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on