Counter Delay and Show

Objective

• -Coach the approach and set position of the defender
• -Show the attacker into the least dangerous area
• -Win the ball at the right moment

Setup

1. 1A defending channel with two mini goals to protect in a 30 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3Balls with the attackers, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker drives at the defender who must delay and show one way.
2. 2The defender wins a point for forcing the attacker wide or winning the ball.
3. 3Swap roles after each duel.
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

• -Sprinting straight through the attacker
• -Standing square and getting spun
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on