Line Break Laps

Objective

• -Improve movement over repeated distances
• -Link running with passing accuracy
• -Keep players active through constant rotation

Setup

1. 1Set up four cone lines across a 30 x 20 yards area.
2. 2Place players in two groups at opposite corners.
3. 3Give one ball to each group.
4. 4Use bibs to separate the two sides clearly.

How to play

1. 1Players pass and move from one line to the next.
2. 2After each pass, the player runs to support in a new space.
3. 3The ball must travel through every line before a finish pass.
4. 4When the ball reaches the end, the next group starts straight away.
5. 5Keep the tempo high and the rest brief.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Passing and stopping
• -Taking too long on the ball
• -Standing on the same line