Third Man Chase

Objective

• -Press after the next pass
• -Work as a connected unit
• -Win the ball during build-up

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 20 yard area with two end zones.
2. 2Set up three players per team on each side of the area.
3. 3Use bibs to split the teams clearly.
4. 4Keep a supply of balls with the coach.

How to play

1. 1One team tries to pass through the area to a player in the end zone.
2. 2The defending team presses the receiver after the second pass is played.
3. 3A third defender supports by blocking the next option.
4. 4If the ball is won, the defenders counter to the nearest end zone.
5. 5Play short rounds and swap roles.

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

• -Watching the pass without reacting
• -Pressing too early and missing the trap
• -Letting the team split apart