Soccer Coaching Tips: Counterattacking Is A Great Way To Score Goals
June 16th, 2010
The way to clear a ball while under pressure from an opponent is obvious – simply kick it out of the defensive zone so offenders can’t score. But if a defender is not under pressure he can bring the ball under control and start a counterattack.
Counterattacking is a concept that should be introduced early when coaching soccer. It’s a great way to let the defenders know that they’re as much a part of the offensive action as the strikers.
A great defender can confidently bring the ball out of the defense without looking down at the ball. Rather, they look ahead to their teammates. Often, the other team will back off giving the defender more time and space than they would give to an opposing forward.
A defender should try to anticipate where an attacker plans to pass. A defender can also use the counterattack if he breaks up an attack with an interception or tackle. Then, a counterattack should be fast and direct leaving the opposition players stranded.
While having a good idea as the direction of the pass, the defender should try not to let the offense know where he believes the pass will go. This can be tricky. On the one hand, you coach your players to tightly cover offensive players. No offensive player will pass to a teammate that’s being well covered. The key for a defender is to closely watch an offensive player and be ready for anything while giving the appearance to a potential passer that he’s not covering the offensive player closely.
The hope, for a defensive player, is that the pass to the offensive player is inaccurate or too slow in its pace. This will allow the defender to intercept the ball and begin to take it up field. The quick change in direction will cause the offensive players to remain in the defensive zone while the defensive player quickly brings the ball forward. At this time, the defender may carry the pass up field as far as he likes or pass to a teammate when he comes under pressure. The pass should be quick and accurate.
Communication is critical. The defenders should talk to each other at all times. They should let the player carrying the ball know about the pressure they see from behind and to the side. This will allow the defender to make a good decision.
The timing a defender must develop for intercepting a pass is something that’s difficult to coach in youth soccer leagues. It’s a skill that comes with time and some players catch on to it faster than others. If you’re coaching soccer, tell your players to mark an offensive player well and if they feel comfortable intercepting a pass then go for it, but certainly don’t make it a requirement. As your players become more comfortable in their defensive roles they’ll take more calculated risks and will soon be intercepting passes left and right which will likely lead to a lot more goals for your team.
