Combination Third Line Break

Objective

• -Break the opposition line with a forward pass
• -Coach the receiving position between the lines
• -Progress the ball with control, not hope

Setup

1. 1Three horizontal zones with a defensive line between each in a 44 x 34 yards area.
2. 2Add a neutral bounce player on each side line inside a marked yard-wide channel.
3. 3Balls in the back zone, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1The back zone must beat the first line with a pass into the middle zone.
2. 2The middle player turns and finds the front zone.
3. 3A completed three-zone sequence scores a point.
4. 4The first pass must go into the bounce player before the practice opens up.
5. 5A sequence only scores when three different players have touched the ball.

Progressions

• +Demand a one-touch set from the bounce player
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Allow the bounce player unlimited touches
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Bounce players can join the attack once per round
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing the pass into a covered player
• -Middle players hiding behind opponents
• -Two players combining over and over while the third stands still