Triangle Split and Counter
Six attackers move the ball around a three-player triangle screen, find a ground pass between its two covering defenders, then react when a regain turns into a four-goal counterattack.
- 12 min
- 9–12 players
Game · U12
Regain and Release
After a clean regain, the defender secures a first ground pass to a protected teammate outside the pressing group.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Transition
- Defending
- Passing
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Three blue possession players and two red interceptors occupy the left playing area. Red 3 waits alone in the protected right outlet strip. One ball starts with blue; nobody challenges the outlet or enters the strip.
Coaching points
- Setup: Three blue possession players and two red interceptors occupy the left playing area. Red 3 waits alone in the protected right outlet strip. One ball starts with blue; nobody challenges the outlet or enters the strip.
- Play: Blue circulates at controlled pace. On a clean red regain, the new ball holder looks up, settles if needed and passes safely to red 3 for one transition point. Blue may screen the route and intercept a travelling pass but cannot tackle the regained ball at a player’s feet. An outlet reception, blue re-interception or ball out ends the attempt. A forced risky pass earns nothing.
- Reset and rotation: Return the ball to blue after each stopped episode. After two attempts rotate all six so every player has equal inside, intercepting and outlet turns; swap team colours when changing the 3-versus-2 inside allocation. Rest after 45 seconds and restart only when the outlet is ready.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: The regained ball belongs to a new attacking decision: first look for a secure route, rather than immediately kicking away under pressure. The outlet changes angle within its protected strip to help the first pass.
- Safety: Ground passes only. Walking opposition may intercept travelling or exposed balls, never tackle an occupied foot, slide, push or force contact. Stop when routes converge; collect and change roles only with play stopped. The outlet strip is protected and a settling touch is allowed after the regain.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 6 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Freeze blue after a regain so red can settle, look up and find a stationary outlet.
- Harder The outlet chooses a different safe lateral angle and blue screens the travelling route; retain a settling touch and no occupied-foot tackle.
