- What it is: press from the front, win the ball high up the pitch and attack at once
- Easy to use: players without the ball run forward on their own, so it suits beginners, and it is very strong once you master it
- Best formations: shapes with numbers in midfield and runners up front, such as 4-3-1-2
- Weak spot: the space behind the high line, against runs in behind and long balls
What is Quick Counter?
Quick Counter is a Team Playstyle that presses the opponent from the front, wins the ball high up the pitch and attacks quickly. Right after winning it, forwards and midfielders make runs in behind and head for goal before the defence is set.
The spacing between players is well balanced, and players without the ball run forward on their own. That makes it easy to use even for beginners, and very strong once you master it. It is one of the most popular and effective Team Playstyles right now.
How the players move
The two keys are defending high to win the ball, and attacking the moment you win it.
Red: your team · Grey: the opponents · White: the ball · Red arrows: how your players move
Out of possession, the back line stays high and the team presses from the front to win the ball high up. The moment it is won, several players, including midfielders and full-backs, move forward together and finish before the opponents can get back. When the ball is lost, the team presses straight away to win it back on the spot.
Quick Counter in each situation
| Situation | What the team does |
|---|---|
| Your goal kick | Plays out from the back. The CBs drop to receive and short passes move it 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 high press. The CF and midfielders push up to win it |
| Defensive line | A high line, kept compact |
| Losing the ball | An instant press on the spot. The whole team pushes up, the CMF and DMF especially |
| Winning the ball | A fast attack. The CMF, full-backs and CF run forward to create an overload |
Best formations for Quick Counter
Quick Counter works best with shapes that keep numbers in midfield and still leave players up front to run in behind. These are easy ones to use:
| Formation | Why |
|---|---|
| 4-3-1-2 | Plenty of midfielders to win the overload, and two forwards give many options for runs. Balanced and easy to use |
| 4-2-1-3 | Three forwards make it easy to play into feet, and two DMFs keep the middle secure. Plenty of support after winning the ball high up |
| 4-3-3 | Three forwards and three midfielders give numbers for both the press and the counter. The classic shape, and it creates runs from wide too |
Best managers for Quick Counter
The higher a manager’s Team Playstyle Proficiency for Quick 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 Quick Counter:
| Manager | Proficiency | Boosters |
|---|---|---|
 Antonio Conte | 90 | Defensive Awareness +1 / Kicking Power +1 |
 Jürgen Klopp (18-19) | 90 | Defensive Awareness +1 / Stamina +1 |
 R. Martínez | 90 | Finishing +1 / Attacking Awareness +1 |
 Cristian Chivu | 89 | Speed +1 / Stamina +1 |
 José Mourinho (Link-up Play) | 89 | Physical Contact +1 / Stamina +1 |
How to attack with Quick Counter
- Win the ball high up: press the opponent’s build-up. The closer to goal you win it, the more likely the counter scores
- Go forward as fast as you can: right after winning it the defence is broken. Look for the forward option first, not sideways or back
- Use the runs: find the CF and midfielders running in behind with a through ball and get in behind at once
- Break through with one-twos: a quick one-two gets you out of a crowd and makes the most of the overload
How many goals Quick Counter scores depends on the quality of the first pass after you win the ball — the pass forward or the through ball.
Defending and the weak spot
Out of possession, the basics are a high back line and pressing from the front. Stay compact and give the opponent’s midfield no time.
The weak spot is clear. Holding a high line leaves space behind it. A fast forward or one long pass in behind puts you in trouble at once, so watch out especially for teams playing Long Ball Counter or Long Ball that aim for that space.
Dive in carelessly and the press gets beaten and the ball is carried past you. Manage the line, and when you are about to be beaten, get back rather than chasing.
How to beat Quick Counter
Against Quick Counter, attack the space behind the high line. Draw the press in, then play a long pass or a run into the space behind it.
Staying calm against the press matters too. Rushed passes lead to mistakes and a counter, so draw the opponent in and then find the free teammate. Sitting deep and attacking the space behind when they push forward also works.
Quick Counter vs Long Ball Counter
Both are counter-attacking styles, but they win the ball in different places and defend differently.
| Quick Counter | Long Ball Counter |
|---|---|
| Presses high to win the ball | Drops deep to win the ball |
| A high line and a high press | A low block, defending deep |
| Wins it close to goal, so the counter is fast | Wins it, then uses the wide space to counter |
| Weak against balls in behind | Solid in defence, but needs more to create chances |
If you want to win the ball aggressively, choose Quick Counter. If not conceding is your priority, choose Long Ball Counter.
FAQ
What is Quick Counter in eFootball?
Is Quick Counter good for beginners?
What is the weakness of Quick Counter?
Summary
- Quick Counter wins the ball high up and attacks at once. Easy to use and strong.
- A high press and a high line win the ball; several players move forward the moment it is won.
- Go forward as fast as you can after winning it, and use runs and one-twos.
- Its weak spot is the space behind the high line — watch the runs in behind and long balls.
- Pair it with a manager with high Team Playstyle Proficiency for Quick Counter.
