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TOUCHLINELAB

Passing drill

Passing Square with Third-Man Runs

Players rotate around a square, combining with a central player to release a third player running onto the ball. Teaches the timing of up-back-through combinations.

  • 8–12 players
  • 15 minutes
  • 18 × 18 m
  • Intermediate · U13–U16
Passing Square with Third-Man Runs drill diagram12345

Objective

Recognise when a lay-off can release a third player and time the forward run to arrive with the ball.

Coaching points

  • The central player shows inside-out, checking away before coming short
  • Lay-off is firm and into the runner's path
  • Third player starts the run as the first pass is played, not after
  • Follow your pass to the next cone

Progressions

  • Add a passive then active defender in the middle
  • Two balls start from opposite corners
  • Finish with a pass through a mini-gate

Regressions

  • Remove the third-man run: simple pass and follow
  • Shorten distances to 12 m

Equipment

5 cones, 2–3 balls

Tactical relevance

Directly transfers to breaking midfield lines in the build-up.

Technical focus

Passing, Receiving, Timing of runs

Tactical focus

Third-man combinations