Two-Touch 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 40 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Place a marker at every receiving position so players know where to set the ball before it arrives.
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. 4Ball enters from the coach and the first receiver is on two touches from that moment.
5. 5Count completed sequences under the touch limit — best of three 3-minute rounds.

Progressions

• +Drop the central players to one touch
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Allow three touches while the picture is being learned
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two touches in your own half, free touches in the final third
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing the pass into a covered player
• -Middle players hiding behind opponents
• -Taking a settling touch that kills the tempo