A distinct style of play and one of the most widely used in soccer today is the counterattacking style of play. This strategy takes advantage of the opponent losing possession of the ball and attacking when that opponent is most vulnerable. Something as simple as a poor cross or through pass puts the attacking team at risk of a well-timed counterattack while the attacking team is unbalanced and vulnerable on the defensive end.[1] When it is executed to perfection, it provides a strong defense to build off of while also being an extremely effective style of attack. The execution of this style of play is fairly simple and therefore is used regularly by teams and managers worldwide.[2]
While a reliable strategy, the counterattacking style of play is also fairly risky. In order for this style of play to work in practice, there must be a very strong defensive foundation that is able to sit back and hold strong against almost constant pressure.[3] Without a strong defense this strategy does not work well as the opposing team will possess the ball for the majority of the game and eventually break through. Additionally, if the opponent has the lead, a counterattack style of play will not work as this strategy is used to take advantage of the opponents advance into your own half of the field.[4] If a team is in the lead they will not be advancing onto your half of the field, instead possessing on their half of the field, and the counterattack strategy does not work.
In addition to a strong back line, for this style of play to be effective there needs to be a great amount of individual and team talent and discipline as there needs to be intelligent positioning and players talented and quick enough to cover large amounts of space in short periods of time.[5] The defensive unit needs to be able to play skillful balls to the attacking unit in this strategy, who need to be able to sprint into empty space and create one-on-one situations with opposing defenders.[6]
A good example of a counterattacking team is the 2014 Real Madrid club that had Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack and defenders Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric.[7] They used this strategy to win the Champions League.
References
[1](2016) Attacking and defensive styles of play in soccer: analysis of Spanish and English elite teams, Journal of Sports Sciences, 34:24, 2195-2204
[2] Christian, Nyari. “The Art of the Counter Attack – A Look at Slomka’s Efficient Hannover Side.” German Football: Past, Present, and Future, 18 Apr. 2011, bundesligafanatic.com/20110418/the-art-of-the-counter-attack-%E2%80%93-a-look-at-slomka%E2%80%99s-efficient-hannover-side/.
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Hinch, Will. “Football Tactics Explained: 6 of the Most Common.” Pitchero Blog, Pitch Hero Ltd, 13 Oct. 2016, blog.pitchero.com/football-tactics-explained.
[7] Ibid
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Author: Luke Berndt
How to cite this article: “Counterattacking Style,” Written by Luke Berndt (2018) Soccer Politics Pages, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/mens-world-cup-2018-guide/playing-styles-of-world-cup-favorites/general-playing-styles/counterattacking-style/ (accessed on (date))
