Counter Back Four Slide

Objective

• -Coach the defensive line sliding across together
• -Maintain distances between defenders
• -Cover and balance behind the pressing player

Setup

1. 1A back line facing three attacking stations across the pitch 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 at each attacking station, bibs for the defensive unit.

How to play

1. 1Ball is switched between attacking stations and the line slides across.
2. 2The nearest defender presses while the others tuck in and cover.
3. 3Freeze the picture occasionally to check distances.
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

• -One defender flying out alone
• -Line stretching across the pitch
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on