Counter Attack – a masterclass by Fede Tanuscio

A new masterclass by Fede Tanuscio was hosted by us on November 22, 2024. Topic of the day: the different ways to perform a counter attack.

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Fede Tanuscio

Born in Argentina Fede Tanuscio came to Europe to become a pro hockey player and played for Argentina and in several top leagues across Europe. These days he is the technical director for Luxembourg.
Together with his friends Lucas Rey and Lucas Cammareri he co-founded The Hockey Sense. They combine their experiences as international players and coaches in different parts of the world for the joint study and analysis of modern field hockey with the same goal we have here #sharetheknowledge.

Mastering the Counter Attack in Hockey

In the dynamic world of field hockey, the counter attack is a crucial strategy that can turn the tide of a game. In this blog, we delve into the various techniques and principles of executing an effective counter attack, as presented by international coach Fede Tanuscio. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or a newcomer, understanding these strategies will elevate your team’s performance on the field.

Different Ways to Counter Attack

Counter attacking is a multifaceted strategy that hinges on understanding game phases and the dynamics of player movement. Fede Tanuscio emphasizes four essential steps for executing a successful counter attack: recovery of the zone, the method of recovery, identifying free space, and making decisions based on what players perceive on the field.

1. Recovery of the Zone

The first step in a counter attack is to recover the zone effectively. Coaches must teach players to regain control quickly, as this lays the groundwork for subsequent actions. Understanding the positioning on the field is crucial, as it determines the next move.

2. Method of Recovery

How players recover the ball also influences the counter attack’s success. Whether through an interception, winning a duel, or capitalizing on an opponent’s mistake, each scenario requires a different approach. Players need to be adaptable and responsive to the situation at hand.

3. Identifying Free Space

Once the ball is recovered, the next step is to quickly identify free space. Players must be trained to look for areas on the field where they can exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense. This speed is vital for mounting an effective counter attack.

4. Play What You See

The final step is perhaps the most nuanced: players must learn to assess their surroundings and make decisions based on what they see. This instinctive understanding can often make the difference between a successful counter attack and a missed opportunity.

Interceptions and Duels

Interceptions and one-on-one duels are vital components of a successful counter attack. Tanuscio highlights the importance of these elements in creating opportunities for quick transitions.

Interceptions

When a team successfully intercepts the ball, they often find themselves with more space to exploit. The key is to quickly transition from defense to attack. Players should focus on making vertical passes immediately after an interception to capitalize on the space created by the opponent’s formation.

Duels

In situations where players are engaged in duels, the strategy shifts slightly. Tanuscio notes that when players are closed in the middle, the best option is often to shift the play to the lateral zones. This allows the team to exploit the free spaces that open up when defenders are drawn towards the ball.

Principles of Counter Attack

Understanding the principles behind a counter attack can significantly enhance a team’s effectiveness on the field. Tanuscio outlines several key principles that players should internalize.

1. Speed to Space

One fundamental principle is the need for speed when attacking space. Once a player recovers the ball, they should immediately look for the nearest free space and move into it. This principle is exemplified by Australian teams, which have mastered the art of quick transitions.

The rest of these can be viewed in the full video. We don’t want to spoil it all here 😉

The Perfect Counter Attack

The perfect counter attack is a seamless blend of speed, positioning, and strategic execution. According to Fede Tanuscio, it starts with a quick recovery of the ball, ideally through an interception or a successful duel. Once the ball is in possession, players must be ready to exploit the space effectively.

Key Components of a Perfect Counter Attack

• Interception: The initial step is to regain possession. A successful interception sets the stage for a rapid transition from defense to attack.
• Vertical Passing: Players should look for vertical options immediately after gaining possession. This keeps the momentum and puts pressure on the opposing defense.
• Diagonal Runs: Making diagonal runs helps to create angles and open up passing lanes. This movement is crucial for finding space and creating opportunities.
• Effective Leads: Players must lead into open spaces, making themselves available for passes while drawing defenders away from crucial areas.
• Following the Action: It’s important for players to follow their actions, ensuring they are in a position to capitalize on any openings that arise.

Tanuscio emphasizes that while these components are essential, every counter attack is unique. Coaches should equip their players with the right tools and principles to adapt to various game situations. Developing these skills through practice will enhance a team’s overall effectiveness when executing counter attacks.

How to Train the Counter Attack

Training for counter attacks involves specific drills that focus on the principles of speed, space, and teamwork. Tanuscio outlines a couple of effective drills designed to improve players’ ability to execute counter attacks in real match scenarios.

Drill 1: Ball Recovery and Lateral Passing

This drill emphasizes ball recovery and the importance of lateral passes. The field is split into two zones, with two teams competing to maintain possession. The first team to complete two consecutive passes earns a point and transitions to the next zone.

• Players must focus on quick ball recovery through interceptions or winning duels.
• Encourage lateral passing to create space and maintain possession.
• Goalkeepers can participate as jokers, facilitating plays and adding an extra layer of strategy.

Drill 2: Speed to Space and Vertical Play

This drill focuses on enhancing players’ ability to attack free spaces quickly. It starts with a one-on-one situation involving a goalkeeper, followed by a two-on-one scenario.

• Players should emphasize their speed and decision-making skills when transitioning from defense to attack.
• Diagonal runs are encouraged to create angles for passing and shooting opportunities.
• After the initial drill, a three-on-two situation allows players to practice executing a counter attack in a more complex setting.

By incorporating these drills into practice sessions, coaches can instill the principles of a successful counter attack in their players. The emphasis on quick recovery, speed, and effective teamwork will prepare teams for various game situations.

Q&A Session

During the Q&A session, Fede Tanuscio addressed several important questions from coaches, providing further insights into counter attack strategies. Check out the video to listen to the questions of your fellow coaches during our live session.

See it live or on demand

As usual if you join one of our live sessions live it’s free, if you want to watch it afterwards on demand, you need to be a member.
Afterwards the on demand video will be available in our XPS app. In case you don’t want to miss out on future masterclasses, make sure you join us as a free or paid member so we can send you our reminders whenever we go live…

For this session we made an exception and it will remain free for all. Enjoy ↓ and if you want to see all of our on demand video replays, please subscribe and help us keep going forward to #sharetheknowledge 🙂