Counter the Gates

Train the moment of transition: defenders attack the very second they win the ball, attackers flip instantly into recovery runs. Reaction speed in both directions is the score.

A 30x25 yard area with a goal at one end. Two 3-yard counter-gates sit on the opposite end line, one in each wide channel. Three attackers start from the gate line; two defenders protect the goal. Spare balls beside the coach.

1. Three attackers play 3v2 towards the goal — a goal is worth 1 point.
2. The moment the defenders win the ball (tackle, interception or a save rebound), they counter: dribble or combine through EITHER counter-gate within 10 seconds for 2 points.
3. Attackers must transition instantly into recovery runs to block the gates.
4. If the ball goes dead, the coach plays a new ball to the defenders to trigger the counter anyway.
5. Waves of three attack in turn; defenders stay on for three waves, then swap with an attacking trio.
6. Track team scores — attackers vs defenders — across the block.

• Win it and GO — the first touch after the steal goes forward.
• Counter into the gate furthest from the recovering attackers.
• Attackers: react before you sulk — sprint goal-side immediately.
• Recover on the inside line, between ball and gate, not chasing the ball.

• Defenders win the ball and pause to look up — rehearse 'steal and burst' so the first touch attacks space.
• Attackers jog back watching the ball — make recovery sprints to goal-side a coached, scored action.
• Defenders always counter through the nearest gate into traffic — show them the far gate is usually the free one.

• Cut the counter clock to 6 seconds.
• Defenders must complete one pass before the gate to encourage a countering pair.
• Add a recovering third defender chasing the initial 3v2 from behind.

• Remove the time limit on the counter.
• Make the counter-gates 5 yards wide.
• Play 3v1 so the first phase produces more shots.

• Counters must finish within 10 seconds of the regain.
• A counter through a gate scores double a goal.