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What do I get the players to do?Counter-attacking gameSetting up as shown, this game is 5v5. The object for each team is to link up with clever passing, break into the end zone and score in the goal (1a). Defenders cannot retreat into the end zone until attackers enter it. When a team scores, the goalscorer has to run around the goal and re-enter the playing area from the other side. As he is doing this, the server plays a new ball into the area to the other team, therefore encouraging them to counter forward in a 5v4 situation (1b).Players who were previously on the attack are now defenders, their task being to contain and recover the oppositions attack while their fifth player comes back into play. It is for this reason that counter-attacks are done at pace, so as to make full use of the one-man advantage. However, players must ensure moving at pace isnt at the expense of losing possession (1c).

CELTIC

Neil LennonCounter-attacking masterclassOverview:This session looks at counter-attacking with an overload. We run this regularly because when an opposition attack breaks down, its crucial were ready and prepared to break quickly, capitalising on the fact they are out of position.We used this principle to devastating effect for our second goal against Barcelona in this seasons Champions League. Leading 1-0, and having repelled a series of attacks from the Spaniards, we launched the ball forward quickly and Tony Watt scored with a fantastic drive past Victor Valdes to give us breathing space.

counter-attacking masterclass

SET-UPAREA

Half pitchEQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, goalNUMbER OF PLAyERS

15SESSION TIME

Counter-attacking game and half-pitch game - 4x4mins each

4 MARCH 2013

When an opposition attack breaks down, its crucial were ready and prepared to break quickly, capitalising on the fact they are out of position.

25

5

35

5

25

5

35

5

25

5

35

51a

1b

1c

Ball movement Player movementDribble

KEy

In the counter-attacking game, whites attack at pace, move into the end zone and score a goal

The player who scores must run around the goal, and a new ball is served immediately, thus creating a 5v4 counter-attacking overload

But on this occasion the counter-attack fails, and whites find themselves back on the attack

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Half pitchNow we move to a half pitch, with four groups of three attackers (2a), and two groups of two defenders who rotate frequently. Blue attackers feed whites on the halfway line. These players advance, attacking 3v2 (2b). As the attack happens, blues assume the positions of the reds, ready to commence the next attack. When the white attack finishes, players exit to the opposite side they received the ball from.To progress this practice, we leave two attackers on the pitch after each 3v2, also adding two extra defenders who approach from behind the goal. This creates a 5v4 (3).

What are the key things to look out for?In each practice players need to pass and move at pace. If too many touches are made, or if players fail to utilise good movement and positioning, attacks will break down.

Neil LennonCELTICNeil Lennon is manager of Scottish Premier Division champions Celtic, and this season masterminded a tremendous 2-1 Champions League success over Barcelona.

The Northern Ireland-born 41-year-old joined the club as first-team coach in 2008, but was promoted to the post of manager two years later. In 2011 he clinched the Scottish Cup Final for the club, following that up with the SPL title a year later.

As a player, Lennon had already made over 200 senior appearances appearances before he got his break in the Premier League, when signing for Leicester City in 1996. He went on to become a pivotal part of the Foxes midfield under then manager Martin ONeill, before moving on to Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers.

counter-attacking masterclass

5 MARCH 2013

2a

2b

3

In the half pitch game, the ball is fed to the whites who attack the goal 3v2

Clever movement and use of space sees the attackers work a goalscoring chance as blues prepare to start

By leaving two attackers up the pitch and bringing in two defenders, we change the game to a 5v4