Defending a counter-attack

Defending a counter-attack is slowing down and stopping an attack that's already running at your goal with few defenders back.

When a counter is on, the defenders who are back are usually outnumbered. Their job is to delay: stand up the ball carrier, force him wide or backwards, and give teammates time to get goal-side.

The recovering players have to run to the right place, goal-side and towards the most dangerous runner, rather than towards the ball.

What to look for

How many attackers against how many defenders
The most dangerous runner, often the one away from the ball
Forcing the ball carrier wide, away from goal
Whether a tactical foul is worth it

The common mistakeThe last defender diving in, so the counter becomes a one-on-one with the keeper.

Worked plays

6 plays from Footy Eye's training pool, with the best read and why.

Play 1
The situation
Their winger breaks down your flank; a striker waits in the box for the cutback. You’re recovering. Which run?
Best read
Run goal-side and take away the cutback lane
Why
You can’t win a footrace you started behind, and your teammate is already on the ball-carrier. Run the angle that kills the cutback — the roll to the penalty spot is the pass that scores. Recover goal-side of the most dangerous man, not toward the ball.
The other options
- Chase the ball-carrier’s heels to the byline You arrive behind your teammate, and the cutback finds their striker unmarked.
- Get to the near post, block the shot He rolls it past you to the striker on the penalty spot.
- Track the far-post runner You track the far-post runner, and the cutback finds the striker.
Play 2
The situation
Their counter is a 2v1 at your last line — you’re the only man back, your cover stranded upfield. Read it.
Best read
Break it up now: take the tactical foul
Why
Delay only works when cover is recovering — here there is none, and a 2v1 at your keeper is a goal. Jockey and he slides the square ball; dive in and he skips past. The professional foul trades a certain goal for a card — take it while a card is all it costs.
The other options
- Backpedal and jockey him toward the touchline He slides it square, and the runner is one-on-one with your keeper.
- Dive in and win the ball clean He skips past your tackle, and it’s 2v1 against your keeper.
- Drop off fast and protect the space behind He carries to your box and slips the runner in.
Play 3
The situation
He turns you in midfield and drives at your set back line. Your six is goal-side; you’re half a yard behind.
Best read
Shadow him and steer him into your six
Why
The tactical foul is a reflex, not a read: it belongs when nothing is behind you, and here everything is. The yellow costs a card and hands them a set piece. Stay in his hip pocket and the cover does the work — give up, and your six defends a 1v1 alone.
The other options
- Grab him and take the yellow now The referee books you, and they line up a free kick.
- Dive in from behind and hook it away You catch his heels, and the referee gives the free kick.
- Give up the chase, rejoin the midfield line Your six faces him alone, with the runner free outside.
Play 4
The situation
They break 3v2 at your back line: carrier central, a runner either side. You’re ball-side, your partner goal-side of you.
Best read
Retreat as a pair, make him commit late
Why
Two beat three by staying two — the moment you split, one pass makes it 1v1 with a spare man. Retreating as a pair keeps both runners covered and leaves him the hardest decision, forty yards out. Stepping out or chasing a runner makes his pass easy; the foul is not on: nobody is through.
The other options
- Step out and press the carrier He slips it past you, and it’s 2v1 on your partner.
- Pick up the nearest runner, leave the ball He carries into the gap you left and runs at your partner.
- Take the tactical foul before it gets worse The referee books you, and they set up a free kick.
Play 5
The situation
They break through the middle. You’re the full-back caught high on the far side, sixty yards from your goal.
Best read
Recover on the inside diagonal, toward goal
Why
A recovery run is measured to your goal, not your starting position. The inside diagonal drops you in front of your box, where the ball is heading, goal-side of anything played across. Running your touchline home arrives two seconds after the shot; chasing the carrier takes you out of the play.
The other options
- Sprint straight back down your touchline You’re back in your position just as their shot goes in.
- Chase the carrier and get in front He slips it to the other runner, and you’re out of the play.
- Stay high and pin their full-back Your lone centre-back faces two of them, and they score.
Play 6
The situation
Your counterpress is beaten. The carrier is in your half, you trail by ten yards, two runners beyond him.
Best read
Drop off and screen your back four
Why
A counterpress expires the second the ball goes through your first line — chasing after that only widens the hole behind you. Take the shortest line to the space in front of your centre-backs and their three-on-two is three-on-three. The foul from behind arrives late and is red as often as yellow.
The other options
- Keep chasing, get a foot in from behind You never catch him, and he runs at your two centre-backs.
- Foul him as soon as you’re close You clip him from behind, and the referee reaches for a card.
- Track the runner on your side home You pick up your runner, but the carrier drives through the middle unchallenged.