Third Man Gate

Objective

• -Use a third player to break through
• -Create triangles around the ball
• -Play forward after a set pass

Setup

1. 1Set three small cone gates across a 28 x 22 yard area.
2. 2Mark three stations in a triangle shape around the middle gate.
3. 3Players work in threes with one ball per group.

How to play

1. 1The first player passes to the second player at the middle station.
2. 2The second player sets the ball back or sideways into the path of the third player.
3. 3The third player drives through a gate with the ball and then the group resets.
4. 4After each go, players move on one station.
5. 5Use both feet and change the direction of the pattern regularly.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Passes too firm or too soft
• -Players standing in lines
• -Running behind the ball only