Counter Rotating Diamond

Objective

• -Build clean passing angles in a rotating shape
• -Link the pass to the movement that follows it
• -Improve weight and accuracy of the ball

Setup

1. 1Four cones in a diamond with a player on each in a 26 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3One ball to start, spares beside the coach.

How to play

1. 1Ball travels round the diamond with players following their pass.
2. 2Every fourth pass is played across the diamond to switch the pattern.
3. 3Change direction on the coach's call.
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

• -Standing still after passing
• -Passing into the wrong foot
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on