Third-Man Runs | Passing Drill

Overview

• A session you can run with 8 players
• For teams ready to take passing past the basics and on to the next step
• For players who want to build ball control and decision-making at the same time

Objectives

• Execute the third-man run (the run the receiving player makes right after) cleanly and on time
• Use two balls to sharpen the read for switching between vertical and horizontal passing in an instant
• Keep the ball flowing smoothly while playing at speed

Setup

In a 30 x 20m grid, your 8 players work several passing lines at once. Two balls travel different routes at the same time.

1）Groups and setup: Split into two groups of four. Each group makes a square and runs its own passing pattern at the same time.

2）Vertical passing line: The first ball goes vertically. The receiving player plays it to the next player, and the third player takes it in — then repeat the line.

3）Horizontal passing line: At the same time, a second ball runs the same flow sideways. Players spread left and right and exchange the ball.

4）Quick reactions: With two balls moving at once, every player has to stay switched on to what’s happening around them the whole time.

5）Keep the rhythm: Cut down the time between receiving and releasing. The most important thing is that the passing never stalls and the flow never breaks.