Playing Out From The Back

Continuous Third Line Break

Break the opposition line with a forward pass

Playing Out From The Back
Passing
Team Shape

Break the opposition line with a forward pass. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Playing Out From The Back
Passing
Team Shape
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Repetition

Age

Under 11 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

8-18

Area / pitch size

42 x 32 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs

Coaching focus

Break the opposition line with a forward pass

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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 42 x 32 yards area.
  2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
  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. 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.

Coaching points

  • -Pass to the far foot to help the turn
  • -Receive on the half turn between the lines
  • -Bounce back and switch if the line is closed
  • -Reset fast — the value is in the volume of good reps

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

  • -Forcing the pass into a covered player
  • -Middle players hiding behind opponents
  • -Long queues while balls are collected

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