Counter Third Man Box

Objectives

• -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

How to set it up

1. 1Mark out the working area at 30 x 26 yards. Put a cone on each corner so the boundary is obvious to the players.
2. 2A box with a target player on each end line in a 30 x 26 yards area.
3. 3Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
4. 4Balls at both end lines, bibs for the middle defenders.
5. 5Kit for this practice: Balls, Cones, Bibs. Keep a supply of spare balls beside the coach so a lost ball never stops the practice.
6. 6Split 6-16 players into two or three even groups. Run two stations side by side if you have the space, so lines never grow beyond four players.
7. 7Set the area up before the players arrive, then walk them through the shape once at a jog before the first live repetition.

How to run it, step by step

1. 1Get the players into position and walk the first repetition through slowly so everybody knows where they start and where they go.
2. 2Play in to the front player, who sets back to a supporting team-mate.
3. 3The third player then receives the forward pass beyond the defensive line.
4. 4Sequence resets from the opposite end line.
5. 5The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
6. 6Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.
7. 7After their action each player follows their pass and joins the back of the next line, so everybody rotates through every position in the practice.
8. 8The repetition ends when the ball reaches the final target or leaves the area. The next player starts straight away.
9. 9Freeze the practice once or twice per round, make one coaching point to the whole group, then restart immediately.

What each player does

Working player

Takes the repetition: receives, executes the passing action and finishes the sequence at match pace.

Server

Delivers a consistent, firm ball on the coach's call, then collects a spare ball ready for the next repetition.

Waiting players

Stand behind the start cone with a ball ready, watch the repetition in front of them and step in the moment it finishes.

Coach

Stands where the whole picture is visible, serves or calls the start, and makes one clear point per freeze.

Timings and organisation

• -Run 5 rounds of roughly 4 minutes inside the 18 minute slot.
• -Give 45-60 seconds of rest between rounds so the quality of the work stays high, and use that gap for your coaching point.
• -Rotate roles at the end of every round so each player works, serves and defends across the practice.
• -If the practice is too easy, move to a progression rather than adding more repetitions. If players are struggling, drop to a regression for one round and then build back up.

Common mistakes

• -Third runner going too early
• -Set pass played into feet with no angle
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on
• -Standing still and watching instead of moving into the next position