Connecting to the counter attack

A lot of focus is put on the ball carrier and their immediate support in a counter attack – and quite rightly. But the ability of the other support players to connect will enhance any break. How do you train for that?

Counter attack can be defined as retrieving a kick and then running that kick back. Quite rightly, the main focus in training is on catching that kick and the movements of the catcher and the immediate support players.

The catcher can attack themselves or pass to a support player, immediately moving the point of attack. Most kick-chases will have one of two front chases and then a line of defenders, so the decision to pass or run depends on where those defenders are.

Whatever the lines run or passes made, the other support players must work out where to run to connect most effectively. Some will need to be in immediate support, perhaps for a pass, or help retain possession if the ball carrier is tackled. Others will need to create some width in the attack.

WIDTH IN ATTACK

A chasing team is often exposed. Unless they are extremely disciplined, they will likely be focused on the ball, leaving gaps on one or both flanks. That means that the receiving team should exploit those gaps if they can.

This width might be exposed from the initial attack. The catcher runs forward, engaging the chasers. That draws in the defence. If other attackers can position themselves in the wide channels, two quick passes can create possible mismatches or simply a space to attack.

Therefore, some of the ball carrier’s supporters should run towards him. Others should run into positions to attack wide.

PRACTISING THE COUNTER ATTACK

So much of the role of the support player depends on the kick and the other players' relative positions. To practise the roles of support players, I would start with two things:

> A quick drawing. Either on a flip chart or just a piece of notepaper, draw out the initial and final positions for players so they can understand the shape they want to aim for.

> In a very small area, I would get the players to walk through where they would go. For example, in a 20m box, position them as they would be for a set piece or phase play. Then I would throw the ball to one of the backfield players, and they would walk into the most effective counter-attacking positions.

Trying to make it more realistic, especially with just one side’s worth of players, I use this session on counter attack. Randomise the potential starting points, plus mix up who will attack. If a team expects to counter attack, they will be already moving into position, whereas in reality, they only think that at the last moment.