Passing
Third Man Runs Grid: Two-Touch Limit
Understand the third man run
Passing
Possession
Attacking
Premium
Third Man Runs Grid: Two-Touch Limit is a 16-minute passing drill for 6-15 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
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
First Touch
Speed of Play
Two Touch
Duration
16 min
Players
6-15
Pitch size
25 x 25 yards
Ability levels
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
Third Man Runs Grid: Two-Touch Limit — 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. Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
- 5. Rotation: Rotate positions each repetition.
- Cones mark the area
- Dashed lines = zones / thirds
- Ball
- Cones mark each station in the shape
- 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.
- 4Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
Coaching points
- -Set the ball with the correct weight
- -Third player starts wide and runs into the gap
- -Pass in front of the runner
- -First touch out of the feet into the next action
- -Body open before the ball arrives
Common mistakes
- -Third player runs too early
- -Set pass behind the passer
- -No disguise on the release