Counter Goals: 5v4

Set up

Field

Use half a field and narrow it to the width of the 18-yard box, roughly 44x40 yards. Put a full-size goal with a goalkeeper on the penalty-area end line. Place two mini goals on the opposite end line, one near each corner.

Players

10 or more players. Station one neutral player on that end line between the mini goals. Use two teams of four field players: 4 attackers and 4 defenders.

Keeper

Yes.

Balls

Keep spare balls with the goalkeeper and near the neutral to allow quick restarts.

How it runs

1. 1.The coach or goalkeeper starts the phase by playing into the attacking team.
2. 2.The attackers use the neutral player to create the overload and try to score on the full-size goal.
3. 3.The four defenders and their goalkeeper work together to protect that goal and regain possession.
4. 4.When the defenders win the ball, they transition forward and can score in either mini goal or connect with the neutral player.
5. 5.The neutral always plays with the team that currently has possession.

After each rep

After a goal or a ball out, restart immediately from either the goalkeeper or the neutral. Play continuous 3 to 4 minute rounds, then rotate the field roles and the neutral player.