Passing With Third Man Runners

Passing with third man runners is a passing sequence that can be used to practice
passing technique, work on combination play, or as a warm-up.

Set Up

For this exercise position your team as shown in the diagram. One line of players starts
next to a mini goal, one player starts at the side of the drill, and two players start at the
top of the drill. The players in the starting line by the goal start with the balls. This
diagram shows two groups doing the exercise side by side.

How It Works

First the starting player passes out to the player at the side of the drill who then passes
with one touch to the player at the top furthest from them. The other player at the top
makes their run towards the goal at the same time this is happening. The player making
the run receives a pass and finishes on goal.

All players rotate to the position where they made their pass. The player who passes the
ball into the goal rotates to the back of the starting line.
Key coaching points

Communication and awareness are vital attributes in a football match and this exercise
gives players an opportunity to work on communication skills by calling out the names of
the players they are passing to.

In addition, in a match movement off the ball is vital and the run into space from the third
man runner can help form this habit.