CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Slow and guide the attacker

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEDelay the counterattackSUB-PRINCIPLE

Slow and guide the attacker

Use controlled pressure to limit speed and direction.

Required player actions

  • The first defender approaches under control rather than diving in.
  • The covering centre-back protects the space behind pressure.
  • The nearest recovering midfielder closes the inside route.
COACHING QUESTION

Can you give teammates time to recover?

View example practices
Preventing build upAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Slow the counter and protect central depth · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

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EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Slow and guide the attacker

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Slow the wide counter

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

22 players, two 4-3-3 teams, a full-size pitch and two goals. Begin with the opposition winger carrying down the left defensive channel after a regain.

Practice task

3 matches the attacker’s approach and denies the direct inside route while 5 covers. Delay the attack until 11 and 10 can recover into useful positions.

What to observe

The attacker loses speed or is guided away from the most dangerous route without an unnecessary challenge.

Progression

Allow the attacker to vary between driving inside and threatening the line.

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Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 24, 26. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.