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Counter-attack transitions

Counter-attack transitions — U7-U8

Players know it as “Turn & sprint (U7-U8)”

Kid title: Turn & sprint (U7-U8). Win it, play forward early, support the runner. Timed phases for a 50-minute U7-U8 session.

U7-U8 Game-related Foundation 50 mins 8–12 players Game tempo Transition Attacking
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More actions
Practice timer

50:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 6 mins

Turn & sprint (U7-U8)

6:00

Fun ball each activity linked to counter-attack transitions. Lots of touches, short queues, coach joins in.

Organisation: Half of a 5v5 pitch; 1 ball each to start.

Coaching points
  • Big smiles, lots of praise.
  • Keep the ball close when moving.
  • Eyes up when you can.
Progressions
  • Add a soft challenge or tagger.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, slower demo.
Technical · 13 mins

Practice picture — Counter-attack transitions

13:00

Simple game that repeats the picture of counter-attack transitions with light opposition.

Organisation: Small grids or channels; rotate roles every 60–90 seconds.

Coaching points
  • Show me the picture with your body.
  • Try again quickly after a mistake.
  • Use both feet when you can.
Progressions
  • Add a mini-goal or end zone.
Regressions
  • Remove the defender / add a helper.
Skill · 13 mins

Drill 2 — develop Counter-attack transitions

13:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve counter-attack transitions under pressure. Rotate roles often.

Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.

Coaching points
  • Play forward when you see space.
  • Help a teammate who is stuck.
  • Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
  • Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Small-sided game · 13 mins

Drill 3 — game for Counter-attack transitions

13:00

Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards counter-attack transitions. Minimal stoppages.

Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.

Coaching points
  • Find moments for counter-attack transitions.
  • Help a teammate who is stuck.
  • Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
  • Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
  • Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins

What did we learn?

5:00

Players share one thing they tried. Coach links back to the theme in kid language.

Organisation: Circle with the ball.

Coaching points
  • Listen to teammates.
  • Name one success.

Related drills

5v4 initially DEF: GK & 3 CBs ATT: ST, 2xCM, 2x WB (2 teams)

Scenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, one attacks it one goes edge 5v4 initially DEF: GK & 3 CBs ATT: ST, 2xCM, 2x WB (2 teams)

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7v7 DEF: GK, 3 CBs, 2x WB, 1xCM ATT: 2xST, 3xCM, 2x WB

Scenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, two attack it one goes edge 7v7 DEF: GK, 3 CBs, 2x WB, 1xCM ATT: 2xST, 3xCM, 2x WB

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5v3 DEF: GK & 2 CBs ATT: 2xST, 1xCM, 2x W (2 teams)

Scenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box be on the edge 5v3 DEF: GK & 2 CBs ATT: 2xST, 1xCM, 2x W (2 teams)

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Defending and always being an option

Scenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, two attack it one goes edge 7v6 DEF: GK, 2xCBs, 2xW, 1xCM ATT: 2xST, 3xCM, 2x WB Defending and always being an option

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