4v3 Soccer Counterattack Game

Four attackers try to score on a goal guarded by three defenders, who counterattack toward two small cone goals if they win the ball. Students practice using an overload on offense, reacting after losing the ball, and fast transitions.

How to play

1. On an 80 x 65 ft field, place a small goal at one end and two 6-ft cone goals on the midfield line; form groups of 7, four attackers and three defenders, in pinnies (3 min).
2. The offense starts with the ball at midfield and has 20 seconds to score; there is no goalie.
3. If the defense steals the ball, it counterattacks and may score in either cone goal within 8 seconds.
4. An offensive goal is worth 1 point for the attackers, and a counterattack goal is worth 2 for the defenders; every play restarts at midfield.
5. Every 4 minutes, two attackers switch to defense and two defenders switch to offense (16 min).
6. To wrap up, ask what attackers did right after losing the ball (3 min).

Rules

• No hands and no tackling from behind.
• Attackers who lose the ball may defend the counterattack immediately.
• Out of bounds: restart with a ground pass.
• Safety: shots stay below the waist, and nobody stands inside the goal.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: be a fixed midfield player who starts each attack by throwing the ball in.
• Autism: preview the rotation with a card and keep the same group of 7.
• Fitness level: stretch the attack clock to 30 seconds to slow the pace.

Learning goals

• Use the overload with passing and off-ball movement.
• React quickly after losing or winning the ball.
• Organize the defense while outnumbered.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 6
• small goals: 3
• cones: 24
• pinnies: 14

Teacher tip

Stress that right after a turnover, the whole team presses immediately. If the counterattack never works, move the cone goals closer.

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