Continuous Third Man Box

Objective

• -Coach the third-man run and the pass that sets it up
• -Improve timing between the set and the release
• -Break lines with a forward pass

Setup

1. 1A box with a target player on each end line in a 26 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
3. 3Balls at both end lines, bibs for the middle defenders.

How to play

1. 1Play in to the front player, who sets back to a supporting team-mate.
2. 2The third player then receives the forward pass beyond the defensive line.
3. 3Sequence resets from the opposite end line.
4. 4As soon as one sequence ends, the next server plays in without waiting.
5. 5Run 4-minute blocks and count total completed sequences as a squad score.

Progressions

• +Add a second ball into the rotation
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Pause 15 seconds between reps to reset positions
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Split into two competing halves and compare block totals
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Third runner going too early
• -Set pass played into feet with no angle
• -Long queues while balls are collected