Third-Man Breakaway

The counter-attack pattern: regain, secure pass, forward bounce, third-man running beyond — at full speed.

Defending unit wins the ball in a marked regain zone in their half. A bounce player waits centrally; the third man starts wide. Full goal with GK at the far end.

1. Coach plays a loose ball into the regain zone — the defender wins it.
2. First pass goes forward into the bounce player's feet.
3. The bounce sets first-time for the third man bursting from wide.
4. Finish within 10 seconds of the regain. Add recovering defenders as it improves.

• First thought forward: the regainer's head comes up before the ball is even won.
• The bounce player shows for it on the half-turn, sets into the runner's path.
• Third man starts the sprint on the FIRST pass, not the second.
• Finish the move — a counter that ends without a shot is a wasted regain.

• The first pass after the regain goes safe-sideways — that kills the counter; first look forward.
• The third man waits to see the second pass before running — too late; sprint on the regain.
• The set pass is bounced behind the runner — set into the path, in front, weighted for speed.

• Add one then two recovering defenders.
• Start the third man on the opposite wing — longer release pass.
• Shrink the time limit to 8 seconds.

• No defenders, no time limit at first.
• Walk the pattern, then half speed, then full.
• Coach's serve goes straight to the regainer's feet.

• Maximum three passes from regain to shot.