3v1 Counter-Attack Sprint
Three attackers sprint 45 m from their own half to attack one defender and a goalkeeper, finishing within 10 seconds. Repeated-sprint work disguised as a counter-attack.
- Age
- U15–Senior
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 50 × 30 m
- Type
- Integrated
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Attacking transition
- Physical: Speed
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shooting
- Tactical:Counter-attackNumerical superiority
- Physical:Acceleration
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Long, fast counter-attacks require players to sprint while keeping the ball under control and making a final decision. This wave reproduces it: the ball carrier runs at speed through the middle, two teammates sprint wide and forward, and the attack must finish before the 10-second limit.
Objective
Counter-attack at full speed over 45 m and finish against one defender before the time runs out.
Organisation
- Half a pitch, about 50 × 30 m. A goal and goalkeeper at one end.
- One defender 18 m from goal. Attackers start in a zone 35–50 m from goal.
How it works
- The middle attacker starts with the ball; the wide players sprint forward on the coach's signal.
- 10 seconds to score.
- 4–6 attacks per group, 60–90 seconds rest between attacks.
Coaching points
- Carrier: run with long touches and keep your head up.
- Wide runners: sprint ahead of the ball and stay wide to stretch the defender.
- Pass early to the free player and finish first time if you can.
Progressions
- Add a recovering defender 10 m behind the attackers.
- Limit to 8 seconds.
Regressions
- Shorter distance (30 m).
Variations
- Finish with a cross from the wide player.
Key principles
- Sprint with purpose.
- Width creates the 2v1 near goal.
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