Counter 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 46 x 36 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
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 team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing the pass into a covered player
• -Middle players hiding behind opponents
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on