What is a counterattack in soccer?
A counterattack in soccer is a fast attack that starts the moment a team wins the ball. The other team has players forward and out of position, so a quick pass and a few runs can reach the goal before they recover.
Other names: counter, fast break, transition.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Counterattack: diagram
How to counterattack
- When you win the ball, look forward first.
- If a forward pass is clearly open, play it early. If it is not, keep the ball safe.
- Players without the ball sprint into different lanes: one wide, one through the middle.
- Finish quickly. Every second lets a defender get back.
Common mistakes
- Forcing a forward pass that is not there and giving the ball straight back.
- Everyone running in the same lane.
- Sending every player forward, with nobody left to protect against a counterattack the other way.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
On a small field the goal is never far away, so in 7v7 and futsal a counterattack can come at any moment, often as a 2v1. In 11v11 teams keep a few players behind the ball while they attack. Coaches call that rest defense.
Questions about the counterattack
What is transition in soccer?
The moment the ball changes teams. Going from defending to attacking is one transition, and from attacking to defending is the other.
How do you stop a counterattack?
Get back between the ball and your goal, protect the middle first, and slow the attack down until teammates recover.
Is counterattacking a formation?
No. It is a way of playing that any formation can use.
Lessons that teach it
- Win It: Look, Then Choose (9v9 lesson)After gaining possession, use a clear forward advantage or secure the ball.
- Win It: Attack or Keep It (Futsal lesson)After gaining possession, use an advantage when it is available.
- Leave Someone to Help (11v11 lesson)Joining an attack is a team decision. Check who will cover the space you leave.
- Lost It? Protect the Middle (7v7 lesson)After losing the ball, protect a route to goal; approach when a teammate can cover.
Related soccer terms
- 2v1Two attackers against one defender. The player with the ball dribbles at the defender, then passes if the defender comes or keeps going if they do not.
- Through BallA pass played between or behind the defenders into space, for a teammate to run on to.
- PressRunning to close down the player with the ball so they have less time, while a teammate covers behind.
- Goal-SideStanding between an attacker and your own goal.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.