Drill: 3v2 Counter-Attack to 4v3 Transition Drill
Drill: 3v2 Counter-Attack to 4v3 Transition Drill
ATTACK - DEFENSE TRANSITION DRILLSFINISHING DRILL
10/23/20241 min read

Drill: 3v2 Counter-Attack to 4v3 Transition Drill
Organization:
Set up an area 40x40 meters, divided into two zones.
In Zone 1, start with 3 attackers and 2 defenders. The attackers’ objective is to reach the opposite end and score in the goal with a goalkeeper.
If the attacking team scores, the coach plays a new ball for the defending team to immediately counter-attack.
If the attackers lose possession or the ball goes out of play, the defending team immediately initiates a counter-attack from the spot where they won possession.
In Zone 2, two additional defenders wait, making it a 4v3 counter-attack scenario as the original defenders and attackers enter the new zone.
Repeat the drill with new attackers and defenders as necessary.
Objective:
Improve decision-making and coordination during attacking plays.
Train players to transition quickly from offense to defense and vice versa, with a focus on finishing and recovery runs.
Develop team communication and structured transitions during counter-attacks.
Progressions:
Limit Time: Set a time limit for attackers to reach the goal, adding pressure on decision-making.
Add Touch Limit: Limit attackers to two touches in Zone 1 to speed up the play.
Increase Defensive Pressure: Allow defenders in Zone 2 to press as soon as attackers enter, instead of waiting.
Key Coaching Points:
Speed of Play: Encourage attackers to move quickly and decisively when progressing through Zone 1.
Scanning and Decision-Making: Attackers should frequently check the positioning of defenders and teammates to make timely passes and movements.
Transitional Awareness: Reinforce immediate reactions when possession is lost, with attackers recovering and defenders quickly adapting to the counter-attack setup.
Support and Spacing: Ensure players are supporting the ball carrier and creating effective passing angles.
Coaching Questions:
To the players:
"What cues can you look for to know when to pass or dribble?"
"How can you react quickly to recover if you lose possession?"
"What positioning will give you the best chance of keeping the counter-attack organized?"
To the coach:
"Are players consistently scanning and adapting during transitions?"
"Do attackers make effective use of space when progressing through Zone 1?"
"Are defenders quickly organizing and communicating during the counter-attack?"