Third Man Runs

The pattern behind every line-breaking goal: pass, set, and the third player runs beyond the ball into the space the first two passes created.

6+ players 15 minutesAdvancedHalf pitch

Step 1 of 4·Set back first time — the trigger for the run

Set-up

Half pitch, three attackers working through a move with one passive defender shadowing. The 'beyond' line is the edge of the box — mark it with cones if needed. Spare players rotate in.

4 balls6 cones6 bibs

By age group

U13-U14: Coach holds the offside line — runners learn to time off the set.
U15-U16: Full speed with live defending; the third man must beat the line cleanly.

Run it in order

1
Player A passes into B's feet, who receives on the half-turn.
2
B sets the ball back to A first time — this set is the trigger.
3
C, who has been holding, bursts beyond the line the moment B touches it.
4
A slips the pass into the third man's run; C finishes the move or delivers.
5
Rotate roles every sequence so everyone plays all three jobs.

Coaching points

The run starts on the set, not after — timing is the whole drill.
B opens their body on reception so the return is one touch.
A: slide the pass into the space, not at the runner's feet.
Run beyond with intent — half-speed third-man runs get flagged offside.

Progressions

Make the defender live from the first pass.
Add a second defender covering the beyond-zone — the finish now needs a decision.
Finish every move with a first-time strike or cutback.

Make it easier

Walk-through pace with no defender until the timing is rhythmic.

More passing

All drills