Counter-attack

How it is used

Teams launch a counter-attack, break on the counter or catch opponents on the counter; the short form is the counter. A counter-attacking team defends deep and uses pace up front. Coaches warn players about being caught on the counter.

Example sentences

1. We lost the ball in midfield and they scored on the counter-attack.

2. Their whole game plan is to sit deep and hit us on the counter-attack.

Common collocations

• launch a counter-attack
• on the counter-attack
• quick counter-attack
• caught on the counter

Related terms

• possessionControl of the ball by a team; also the percentage of time each team has the ball during a match.
• park the busTo defend very deep with almost all players behind the ball, focusing on not conceding rather than on attacking.
• pressingA tactic in which players close down opponents quickly to win the ball back, often high up the pitch near the opponents' goal.
• wingerAn attacking player who plays near the touchline on the right or left, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.

More terms: Formations & Tactics

• formation
• line-up
• high line
• marking
• offside trap