Overload Third Man Box

Pitch diagram

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

Setup

1. 1A box with a target player on each end line in a 28 x 24 yards area.
2. 2Split the group so the attacking side always has one spare player, and park the spare bibs on the halfway cone.
3. 3Balls at both end lines, bibs for the middle defenders.

Coaching instructions

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. 4The spare player joins whichever side has the ball, so the attack always works with a plus-one.
5. 5A goal or completed end action counts double if the spare player touched the ball in the build-up.

Common mistakes

• -Third runner going too early
• -Set pass played into feet with no angle
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle