Possession into Counter Drill | Win It Back and Hit Them Fast

Overview

• Attacking side: 5 players whose job is to keep the ball in the rondo
• Defending side: 3 players who press, then launch a counter the moment they win it
• Whole group: A combined drill for 11 players on a 40m x 60m field

Objectives

• Sharper ball retention: The technique and decision-making to connect accurate passes even in tight space and time
• Handling pressure: Staying composed on the ball while the opponent is pressing
• Faster transitions: The mindset and movement to break into a counter the instant you win the ball
• Finishing in front of goal: Picking the right, accurate shot at the mini-goals (or restricted goals)

Setup

This is a combined drill that sharpens ball retention in a rondo while also training the defenders to counter the instant they win it back.

１）Setup: Place 5 attackers and 3 defenders on the field, and set up mini-goals on both sidelines (or just in front of a goal area).

２）Start the rondo: The attacking side keeps the ball, aiming to complete at least 6 passes.

３）Defensive pressure: The 3 defenders press the attackers, looking to intercept passes or win the ball.

４）Launch the counter: The moment the defenders win it, they immediately break into a 4v2 counter (it becomes 4 attackers vs 2 defenders).

５）Scoring: A shot into a mini-goal counts as a goal; if it fails, start again from the rondo.

６）Rotate roles: Switch attack and defense every few minutes so everyone gets time on the rondo side, the defending side, and the counter side.