11-P12 · Lead-in to 11 v 11 · U15 up to adult

Win Possession Centrally and Counter

Win Possession Centrally and Counter is a lead-in to 11 v 11 for U15 up to adult teams (17+ players, 50 × 80 yards) that works on defending, counter attacking and press and cover.

Train your midfielders to regain, scan, and strike fast in this high-intensity transition practice built for game-changing counter-attacks.

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Win Possession Centrally and Counter: still from the Touchtight coaching video 2:13
Age group
U15 up to adult
Players
17+ players
Area
50 × 80 yards (Full pitch)
Time
30–40 minutes
Practice type
Lead-in to 11 v 11
Coach level
Elite (A Licence+)

How it's set up

This practice is set within a 50 by 80 yard area, featuring a central 20 by 20-yard 6 v 3 rondo, with a front three positioned outside the main area on either side to simulate attacking options. The blue team aims to circulate possession from one side to the other side in the rondo area, working on quick ball movement and forward passes. The gold team’s objective is to intercept the forward passes; upon doing so, two players break out through wide players to attack that direction (5 v 3), while the third collects a second ball from the coach to initiate a simultaneous counter-attack (4 v 3) in the opposite direction. If defenders win possession while defending the goal, they must pass to either of the coaches to earn a goal for their team.

Setup diagram for Win Possession Centrally and Counter: pitch area, player positions and movements
Setup diagram · tap to enlarge

Key coaching points

  1. Play Forward Early – Look forward quickly after regain to exploit space.
  2. Minimal Touches – Use limited touches to maintain speed and control.
  3. Recognise Triggers to Press – Identify slow passes as pressing opportunities to regain.

Also in the full practice

  • 2 progressions to make it harder as your players improveIn Club
  • 3 player questions to check understanding during the practiceIn Club
  • The coach-led video (2:13) how to set it up and deliver itIn Club
  • Add it to your team's Dugout drop it into a session plan with your warm-up and gameIn Club

Run it with your team.

Watch 11-P12 in full, then add it to your next session. It's one of over 1,000 practices in the Touchtight Club library.

Watch the full video ↗