Passing
Third Man Runs Grid: 1-to-1 Session
Understand the third man run
Passing
Possession
Attacking
Premium
Third Man Runs Grid: 1-to-1 Session is a 16-minute passing drill for 1-2 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.
Back to drill libraryPassing
Possession
Attacking
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
1-to-1
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Individual Development
Small Group
Duration
16 min
Players
1-2
Pitch size
25 x 25 yards
Ability levels
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
Third Man Runs Grid: 1-to-1 Session — Y-shape combination · 25 x 25 yards
Step 1 of 5Player one passes to two, who sets it back so player one can find three running beyond.
- 1. Player one passes to two, who sets it back so player one can find three running beyond.
- 2. Complete the pattern into the target zone.
- 3. Rotate positions each repetition.
- 4. Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
- 5. Rotation: Rotate positions each repetition.
- Cones mark the area
- Dashed lines = zones / thirds
- Ball
- Cones mark each station in the shape
- C = coach / server
- Dotted arrow = rotation between repetitions
- Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble
Objectives
- -Understand the third man run
- -Combine to break a line
- -Time the supporting run
Setup
- 1Mark a 25 yard square with a target zone on two opposite sides.
- 2Groups of three work with one ball, defenders optional.
- 3Balls stored at each target zone.
Coaching instructions
- 1Player one passes to two, who sets it back so player one can find three running beyond.
- 2Complete the pattern into the target zone.
- 3Rotate positions each repetition.
- 4Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
Coaching points
- -Set the ball with the correct weight
- -Third player starts wide and runs into the gap
- -Pass in front of the runner
- -Detailed feedback after every rep
- -Quality of contact over volume
Common mistakes
- -Third player runs too early
- -Set pass behind the passer
- -No disguise on the release