Underload 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 22 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -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
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early