Tempo 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 42 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
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 clock starts the moment the first pass is played in.
5. 5The sequence must reach the end action inside eight seconds or the rep is void.

Progressions

• +Cut the clock to six seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Stretch the clock to twelve seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Reps finished inside five seconds score double
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing the pass into a covered player
• -Middle players hiding behind opponents
• -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock