Gafferbook
Transitions ยท U11 to adult

Counter-attack 4v3 with a recovering runner

Four attackers break against three defenders while a fourth defender sprints back from behind. The attack must finish before the numbers even up.

U11 to adultAges
8 to 14 plus a keeperPlayers
Half pitch plusArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Four attackers on halfway; three defenders in front of goal.
  • Recovering defender starts behind the attackers.

Equipment: Goal, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Coach plays the ball to the attackers.
  2. Recovering defender sprints back on the whistle.
  3. Attackers try to score; defenders win it and counter through gates on halfway.

Coaching points

  • Attack at speed: shoot before the runner arrives.
  • Use the width to stretch the three.
  • Defenders: delay, protect the middle.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Runner starts later

Make it harder

  • Runner starts level

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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