Counter-attack from a low block 7v5

Setup

1. Full pitch with a keeper in each goal. The blocking team (back four and three midfielders) defends the edge of its own box.
2. Five attackers: three in front of the block and two in rest defence near halfway. The coach feeds balls from halfway.

How it runs

1. The five attack the low block. The seven defend, then counter at the far goal as soon as they win it.
2. The counter must end in a shot within 12 seconds. A goal on the counter counts double; a goal for the five counts once.
3. The five recover after losing it. 6 attacks per set, 4 sets, 90 s rest. Swap roles after two sets.

Coaching points

• Block: 8–10 m between the back four and midfield, nothing through the middle. Step in front of the striker when the pass into feet is slow.
• First pass forward and fast, ideally first time to a midfielder who checked over their shoulder before the turnover.
• Two runners go beyond the ball at full speed, one each side. The carrier drives straight at the rest defence to make them commit.
• Release the pass the moment a defender commits to the carrier, into the runner's stride, not their feet.

Common mistakes

• The player who wins it takes an extra touch and the five recover.
• Runners leave the block early, before the ball is won.
• The carrier drifts wide and lets one rest defender cover both runners.