A counter-attack is when a team steals possession of the ball and launches an attempt on goal.  

As a result of this quick transition, counter-attacks can lead to brief overloads – where the attacking team outnumbers the defending team. This means that counter-attacks create a great opportunity to score.  

To find out more, play the video below.  

In futsal, most counter-attacks involve an overload of 2v1 or 3v2 with recovery runners. Including these scenarios in your sessions can help you maximise the impact of your training, and encouraging the players to finish these moves at the back post is often effective.

When defending counter-attacks, goalkeepers play a vital role. Some would argue a team isn't overloaded in a traditional '3v2' as the goalkeeper is a defender and therefore it is ‘3v3’. In these situations, goalkeepers need to be prepared to come to the edge of the D and make blocks. The other defenders can then mark the other two attackers.

They can also lead to a foul and a set piece. Let's have a look at set-pieces.