- What it is: sit deep, draw the opponent in, win the ball and attack the wide space behind at once
- Strength: a low block keeps the defence stable and makes it harder for the opponent to score
- Best formations: shapes that keep numbers at the back and runners up front, such as 5-2-1-2
- Weak spot: you hand over control if you are pinned back for long
What is Long Ball Counter?
Long Ball Counter is a Team Playstyle that sits deep and defends solidly, draws the opponent in, wins the ball and attacks the wide space behind at once. It sets a low defensive line and defends in a low block, so the defence is stable and conceding less is its biggest strength.
The moment the ball is won, a fast forward runs into the open space behind and a long pass or through ball sends them through on goal. It combines a solid defence with a sudden counter, and it is a strong style that is fairly easy to use for beginners.
How the players move
The two keys are defending deep and solid, and using the wide space after winning the ball.
Red: your team · Grey: the opponents · White: the ball · Red arrows: how your players move
Out of possession, the back line sits low and the team forms a block in its own half to draw the opponent in. When the ball is won, the opponent has pushed forward and left wide space behind, and the forwards sprint into it to finish the counter.
Long Ball Counter in each situation
| Situation | What the team does |
|---|---|
| Your goal kick | The GK kicks long towards the forwards (the CBs also push up) |
| CB on the ball | The CMF and DMF drop to receive |
| Wingers and wide midfielders | Play slightly narrower, towards the middle |
| Opponent’s goal kick | A low block. The CF and midfielders sit deeper and protect the back |
| Defensive line | Low. The back line drops to draw the opponent in |
| Losing the ball | A retreat. Players sprint back into their own half |
| Winning the ball | A fast attack. The forwards run into the wide space behind at once |
Best formations for Long Ball Counter
Long Ball Counter works best with shapes that keep enough players at the back to defend and enough up front to break away. These are easy ones to use:
| Formation | Why |
|---|---|
| 5-2-1-2 | Five at the back is the most solid and suits sitting deep. Concede less and still counter with two forwards. Good for ending a losing run too |
| 4-2-1-3 | Two DMFs keep the middle solid and three forwards give many targets for the counter. A balance of defence and counter |
| 4-1-2-3 | Three forwards put attacking power first. The counter hits hard, but the single DMF has a lot of defending to do |
Best managers for Long Ball Counter
The higher a manager’s Team Playstyle Proficiency for Long Ball Counter, the bigger the boost to the squad. The boost is at its maximum from 85. These five are among the managers with the highest Team Playstyle Proficiency for Long Ball Counter:
| Manager | Proficiency | Boosters |
|---|---|---|
 José Mourinho (11-12) | 90 | Finishing +1 / Aggression +1 |
 D. Deschamps | 89 | Speed +1 / Ball Control +1 |
 J. Nagelsmann | 89 | Dribbling +1 / Physical Contact +1 |
 M. Allegri | 89 | Attacking Awareness +1 / Ball Control +1 |
 Niko Kovač | 89 | Kicking Power +1 / Tight Possession +1 |
How to attack with Long Ball Counter
- Draw them in, then win it: do not force a win high up. Sit in your own half, invite the opponent forward and make the space behind them as big as possible
- Go in behind as fast as you can: right after winning it, play one long pass or through ball into the open space
- Play a fast forward: a quick forward who is good at running in behind makes the counter far more deadly
- Do not commit too many: send too many forward and you are short at the back if the counter fails. Balance who runs and who stays
Long Ball Counter is about holding firm in defence and striking at the one moment the gap opens. Chances are few, so the first long pass or through ball after you win it decides how many goals you score.
Defending and the weak spot
Out of possession, the basics are a low back line and a block in your own half. Close the middle, take away the dangerous space and do not let the opponent get in behind easily. Unlike a high line, it is hard to beat in behind.
The weak spot is that sitting deep hands the ball over, and if you are pinned back for long you give up control. A team that breaks you down patiently with Possession Game or Out Wide can score inside your block. You also create fewer chances, so if the counter does not work, goals are hard to come by.
Sit too deep and you get attacked non-stop and worn down. Move forward safely after winning the ball to get a breather, and press only where you can win it.
How to beat Long Ball Counter
When the opponent sits deep with Long Ball Counter, the space behind is small, so simple runs in behind rarely work. Keep the ball, push them back, and open the block up out wide or with individual skill.
The biggest danger is the counter the moment you lose the ball. Commit too many players and they get in behind at once. Keep your balance even when you attack, and get back as fast as you can when you lose it.
Long Ball Counter vs Quick Counter
Both are counter-attacking styles, but they win the ball in opposite places and defend in opposite ways.
| Long Ball Counter | Quick Counter |
|---|---|
| Drops deep to win the ball | Presses high to win the ball |
| A low block, defending deep | A high line and a high press |
| Wins it, then uses the wide space to counter | Wins it close to goal, so the counter is fast |
| Solid in defence, but needs more to create chances | Weak against balls in behind |
If not conceding is your priority, choose Long Ball Counter. If you want to win the ball high up aggressively, choose Quick Counter.
FAQ
What is Long Ball Counter in eFootball?
What is the best formation for Long Ball Counter?
What is the weakness of Long Ball Counter?
Summary
- Long Ball Counter sits deep and solid, then counters into the wide space behind.
- A low block in defence; the forwards sprint in behind the moment the ball is won.
- Draw them in, win it, and go in behind fast. A fast forward is the key.
- Its weak spot is being pinned back for long and creating fewer chances.
- Pair it with a manager with high Team Playstyle Proficiency for Long Ball Counter.
