Transition
Counter Press Five Seconds
Win the ball back within five seconds of losing it
Transition
Pressing
Possession
Counter Press Five Seconds is a 18-minute transition drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 12 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, bibs, cones, mini goals. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.
Back to drill libraryTransition
Pressing
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Team Tactics
Transition Moments
Duration
18 min
Players
8-16
Pitch size
35 x 30 yards
Ability levels
Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
Counter Press Five Seconds — Four-corner square · 35 x 30 yards
Step 1 of 3Normal game rules but a five second counter press countdown after losing it.
- 1. Normal game rules but a five second counter press countdown after losing it.
- 2. Winning the ball back inside five seconds scores a point.
- 3. Four minute games, three rounds.
- Cones mark the area
- Ball
- Cones mark each station in the shape
- Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble
Objectives
- -Win the ball back within five seconds of losing it
- -Swarm the ball as a unit
- -Escape the counter press when in possession
Setup
- 1Square pitch with two mini goals at each end.
- 2Two teams of four to six players.
- 3Coach with spare balls on the side.
Coaching instructions
- 1Normal game rules but a five second counter press countdown after losing it.
- 2Winning the ball back inside five seconds scores a point.
- 3Four minute games, three rounds.
Coaching points
- -Nearest player presses instantly, others cut passing lines
- -React to the loss, don't watch it
- -In possession, escape with one quick forward pass
- -Communicate loudly on the switch of roles
Common mistakes
- -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
- -Everyone pressing the ball with no cover
- -Slow first reaction