Play-makers or Counter-attackers? - Coaching Tactics & Tips

Every coach, whatever age group, has to decide which style of play suits his team's strategy: a play-making or counter-attacking style. But, don't be afraid to change it during a match.

What formation will you play?

You have to work out the best formation for your team. If it’s 7-a-side should you play 2-2-2 or 3-2-1? Or at Under 11 and 12 when you have gone to 11-a-side you need to decide between 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

First you need a strategy to build your formation around

You have two choices.

1. Counter-attacking style

2. Play-making style

Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses and it's your job as coach to work out which style suits your team.

Counter-attacking style

This style depends on your opponents carrying the game forward and for your team to react to their mistakes, which at youth level is quite often. Discipline and patience are key. It is not as effective when your team is losing or if the other team is sitting back waiting for your team to do the work. The downside is that it can lead to a lack of initiative by your players so that they cannot turn the match in their favor.

Play-making style

This style forces your opponents into making the mistakes - your team controls the pace of the game and the atmosphere it is played in. It needs confident players who have been taught the basic skills. Your team must work hard and be able to communicate with one another because if you lose control of the ball you get hit hard by a counter-attacking team. This is the hardest of the two styles to play.

Once you have your style and formation you need to sort out the three main functions:

1. The defensive function The defensive function is the most important function in a team. The point where your team wins the ball is the point you begin your attacks and the style of you team comes out.

2. Building up Once your team has won the ball they need a plan so that playing the ball through the midfield or sweeping it wide to wingers becomes natural to them. And don’t forget the long pass can be very effective in setting up attacks.

3. The attack Plan your attacks carefully. Have your strikers ready to receive the ball. Can you spot a weakness in the opposition’s defense you want your players to exploit? It is good to take advantage of mistakes around the penalty area but better if your team is in control and has a plan.