Breakaway Burst

Objective

• -Improve quick breaks to goal
• -Develop speed on transitions
• -Reward forward runs at pace

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 20 yard pitch with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams in bibs.
3. 3Place spare balls on both side lines for quick restarts.
4. 4Start play from the middle with the coach.

How to play

1. 1Play a fast small-sided game to score in the mini goals.
2. 2When a ball is won, the team has five seconds to attack.
3. 3Encourage immediate forward runs after the turnover.
4. 4If play stops, the coach feeds a new ball straight away.
5. 5Keep the rounds sharp and intense.

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

• -Slowing down after winning possession
• -No one running beyond the ball
• -Taking too long to restart