FREE NEXT DAY UK SHIPPING OVER £40 ⚽ RETURN & REFUND WITHIN 30 DAYS ⚽ INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLE ⚽
.png)
Barcelona Build Up & Counter
ADDED TO FAVOURITES
Practice Breakdown:
Number of Players: 6 | Pitch size: 40x50
The drill begins with a 2v1 build-up phase, replicating two center-backs facing pressure from a lone center forward. Play starts from the goal kick area, with the two defenders tasked with maintaining possession and progressing the ball upfield. Their objective is to successfully combine and score into one of two centrally placed mini goals located approximately 40 yards from the goal line.
As soon as the mini goal is scored into (or the attempt ends), the same two defenders immediately transition into a 3v2 attacking phase. A third player joins to support the counter attack, while two defenders recover and attempt to stop the transition. The two mini goals remain active, and play continues with realistic flow and transitions.
If the defending pair win possession during the 3v2 phase, they’re allowed to counterattack themselves—creating a 2v3 situation going the other way, placing them at an attacking disadvantage but simulating a realistic turnover moment.
• Build-Up Detail: Reinforce clean decision-making and composure under pressure during the initial 2v1 phase. Defenders should create angles and commit the pressing forward before releasing the ball.
• Body Shape in Transition: Players must adjust quickly after completing the first phase, ensuring they adopt positive body positioning to exploit space in the counterattack.
• Movement Coordination: Emphasize timing and coordinated runs from the third attacker entering the 3v2 to support and overload efficiently.
• Recovery Runs: Defenders in phase 2 should focus on delaying the attack and maintaining balance while underloaded.
• Quick Play Post-Turnover: Allow the counter-attacking team to play freely after regaining possession to encourage natural attacking patterns.
Add a Passive Midfielder:
Introduce a passive midfielder between the 2v1 and 3v2 zones who can be bypassed or used to link play before the attack begins.
Focus: Encourages scanning and decision-making around midfield traffic, simulating game-realistic central pressure.
Limit Transition Time:
Allow only 5 seconds for the 3v2 counter to be completed once the transition begins.
Focus: Increases urgency and sharpens decision-making during fast-break scenarios.