Tactics / In possession
The third-man run
A passes to B, and B passes first time to C, who was already running. The defenders watch the first pass and miss the runner.
Why it works
Defenders follow the ball. While they look at the first two players, the third arrives running forward, into space, facing goal.
What players do
- The runner (C) goes as the first pass is played, not after.
- The middle player (B) lays it off first time, softly, into C's path.
- It works best when B comes towards the ball and drags a defender with them.
With young players
A good next step after the 2v1. Practise it in threes before using it in games.
Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch. Orange attacks left to right; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.