Third Man Run Passing Pattern

Objective

• -Understand the third man run idea
• -Time the run to arrive as the pass is played
• -Pass forward, back and through at pace

Setup

1. 1Four cones in a diamond with a player at each.
2. 2Extra players queue behind two of the cones.
3. 3One ball to start at the base of the diamond.

How to play

1. 1Base player passes into the striker cone who sets it back.
2. 2Third player breaks past and receives the forward pass.
3. 3Follow your pass, run the pattern both ways.

Progressions

• +Two touch maximum
• +Add a passive defender in the middle

Regressions

• -Walk the pattern through first
• -Unlimited touches

Variations

• -Finish the pattern with a shot
• -Mirror the pattern on both sides at once

Common mistakes

• -Running too early and being offside in the game version
• -Weak, under-hit set passes
• -Standing still waiting for the ball