Third Man Run Training Warm Up
Some of the best forward runs in soccer are deemed “third man runs” often made from a position that is blindside of the opponents. The third man run player can start the passing sequence; or not, but invariably they are on the end of a forward pass often beyond the back four of the opponents. A usual sequence is; a forward pass; a backward pass, a forward run. A one, two; three; so to speak.
Some of the best players in the world use this tactic to great effect, of course Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro of Barcelona; Ozil and Kaka of Real Madrid; Frank Lampard; Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney of England. Most of the runs start in or behind the Zone 14 area which is approximately 25 to 35 yards outside the penalty area though it can depend on the depth in defense of the opponents back four also.. It is best against teams who defend high as there is much more space behind them to pass and run into for the third man runner, or runners. Diagonal passing is often the best way to employ this; a diagonal pass and a straight run, or a straight pass and a diagonal run can occur too.
A very simple set up to get the idea of the 3rd man run into the heads of the players. The third man run player makes the initially pass to start the sequence off. Here (1) makes the first pass to (A) coming short, who plays it off to (2) who plays (1) in ahead of the run.
After the three runs (1) lays off a diagonal pass to (B) and the sequence continues.
The sequence continues.
This is just showing where each of the initial three players in the move run to after the passing phase. Players move to opposite sides to start again when it is their turn next.
MORE LIKE THIS: Small Sided Third Man Run Games - Training Center Exclusive
Some of the best forward runs in soccer are deemed “third man runs” often made from a position that is blindside of the opponents. The third man run player can start the passing sequence; or not, but invariably they are on the end of a forward pass often beyond the back four of the opponents.
The set up in the first game is as it would be in the attacking shape of a 4-2-3-1, so you can take this small sided game to represent the 11 v 11 in a particular area of the field making the same types of plays. You can also use this for any team shape set up you might use in an 8 v 8 or 11 v 11. If you play with two striker s then play 7 v 7 and two up front for example or even change the shape behind. Read more
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