Third-Player Exit

Objective

• -Show how a third player can help escape pressure
• -Link short passes into a forward option
• -Improve timing of support runs

Setup

1. 1Mark a 32 x 22 yard pitch with a build-up end and a finishing end.
2. 2Place three build-up players, two pressers and two target players beyond the press.
3. 3Use mini goals or cone gates as the scoring area.

How to play

1. 1The first player passes to the second, but the third player must be the one who breaks the next line.
2. 2The attack only counts when the ball reaches a target player after the third-player move.
3. 3Pressers try to stop the triangle from forming.
4. 4If the press wins it, they attack the build-up end straight away.
5. 5Swap the target players into build-up roles every few minutes.

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

• -Everyone ball-watching
• -Passing to feet with no angle
• -Late support run