Counter Attacking: Technical Breakdown (West Ham United vs Leeds United)

Counter Attacking: Technical Breakdown (West Ham United vs Leeds United)

Here we look at West Ham’s goal against Leeds from the FA Cup 3rd round and what many people might call the classic counter attack where the ball is won from a deep position and West Ham counter quickly with pace and support to score. 

Before Transition

When your opposition commit bodies forward in attack it can leave them unbalanced and provide an opportunity to exploit space behind if you win the ball back

The Transition

Anticipation to be in a position to win the ball back when the cross is cleared

Composure and receiving skills to secure possession under pressure

Recognise what support is needed – support behind, forward runs

Decision – can we counter or do we need to secure and build an attack?

The Counter Attack

Proactive forward runs without the ball

First touch to secure and move the ball away from pressure

Quick forward passes to exploit space behind the opposition

Recognise when to attack aggressively 1v1 or delay and wait for support (2v1 situations)