⚽ Passing

Combination Play — Third Man

The third-man run is the building block of every meaningful combination in modern football — overlaps, underlaps, cutbacks, through-balls.

Total18 min Age– Players10 Setup3 min Run15 min Level

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Combination Play — Third Man — full pitch view

🎯

The one cue that matters

Crisp, firm passes along the floor

◆Why this drill works

The third-man run is the building block of every meaningful combination in modern football — overlaps, underlaps, cutbacks, through-balls. At U12, players have the cognitive capacity to understand why the third man works (they create a dilemma the defenders can't solve) and the technical capacity to execute it with training. This drill introduces the concept through a 3v2 over-load where the combination has to work — it's the only way to score. The defending pressure makes it realistic; the overload makes it achievable.

▦The drill in three phases

1Setup

Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.

2Action

Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.

3Finish

The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.

Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot

▶How to run it

A starts with the ball at the back. B and C are positioned 12–18 yards ahead.
A passes to B. B receives and looks to play forward.
As A passes, A immediately makes a run forward and to the side — offering as a third-man option.
B plays C, who has timed a late run into space behind the defenders.
C receives, drives forward, and finishes in the mini goal.
Rotate: C becomes A, A becomes B, B becomes C. Play 8–10 reps before swapping defenders.

✓Equipment checklist

✦Coaching points

Praise when you see

Crisp, firm passes along the floor
Weight of pass that the receiver can control first time
Scanning before receiving to know the next option

Correct when you see

Heads down — encourage scanning before the ball arrives
Forcing the pass when keeping it was the better option
Passing to feet when the player was running into space

★Kit for this drill — top picks compared

Pick	Product	Best for
Top pick	Training Footballs (6-pack)	Reliable touch for passing reps.	Check price →
Value	Disc Cones (50-pack)	Set up grids and gates fast.	Check price →
Upgrade	Rebounder Net	Solo passing & first-touch work.	Check price →

As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.

?Frequently asked questions

What age group is Combination Play — Third Man suitable for?

This drill suits youth. For younger players, shorten the distances and slow the tempo; for older players, reduce the touches allowed and add pressure.

How many players do I need for Combination Play — Third Man?

This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.

How long does Combination Play — Third Man take?

Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.

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