Week 34

Outcomes

• ✓Players can identify when to make a third-man run as two team-mates combine.
• ✓Players can time their run to stay onside and receive the through-ball.
• ✓Players can deliver the right pass at the right time to release the third man.
• ✓Players can finish after receiving the third-man through-ball at speed.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Groups of three in open space, one ball.

   How to run it: A passes to B, B passes first-time to C, C dribbles forward and repeats with A and B. Continuous triangle movement. Progress: C must sprint forward to receive rather than waiting.

   • ›Third player: your sprint starts as A plays the first pass.
   • ›Middle player (B): one touch to redirect — don't hold.
   • ›Keep the triangle moving — don't be static.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Three cones in a line, 10 yards apart. Groups of three.

   How to run it: A (Cone 1) passes to B (Cone 2). As A plays the pass, C (Cone 3) begins their sprint forward. B redirects the ball into C's path beyond Cone 3. Rotate roles continuously.

   • ›C: trigger your run on A's first pass, not on B's return.
   • ›B: open your hips to redirect the ball into the channel.
   • ›C: receive the ball in stride — no stopping.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Half-pitch. Two defenders hold a line 25 yards from goal. Three attackers combine to release the third man in behind. Full goal with keeper.

   How to run it: Attackers must use the third-man combination to get a player in behind the defensive line. Direct play is not allowed. Defenders hold their line passively, then become active on progression.

   • ›Disguise the third-man pass — don't look at the runner before playing.
   • ›Runner: time your diagonal run to stay onside.
   • ›Releasing player: play the ball into the space, not at the runner's feet.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 on a 35×25 yd pitch, full goals with keepers. A goal that results directly from a third-man combination earns three points; all other goals earn one.

   How to run it: Coach confirms third-man goals live. Teams discuss between plays how to set up the third-man run. Allow 30-second timeouts for tactical conversations.

   • ›Don't force it — the combination must come from the game, not be forced.
   • ›The best third-man runs go diagonally, not straight.
   • ›If the run is tracked, the runner should check back and reset.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 including keepers, 35×25 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Standard match. Coach asks players to 'narrate' combinations as they play: players call 'Third man!' when they spot the opportunity. Encourages awareness.

   • ›Talking on the pitch creates the combination.
   • ›The third man call should come from the runner, not the passer.
   • ›If the defence doesn't track, the combination will work every time.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Group seated.

   How to run it: Seated stretches for hamstrings and hip flexors. Coach asks: 'Why do we call it third-man? Who are the first and second?' Ensure all players can answer.

   • ›First man: original passer. Second man: redirect player. Third man: the runner.
   • ›The beauty is that the defence watches the first two — they miss the third.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can run a third-man route and receive a through-ball to score.
• ✓Players can be the 'second man' who releases the through-ball at the right moment.
• ✓Players can link give-and-go and third-man combinations in sequence.
• ✓Players can defend against third-man runs by tracking runners and holding a line.

Equipment

• 12 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Trios in a 20×15 yd grid, one ball.

   How to run it: Continuous third-man combination: A-B-C with C dribbling back to become A for the next sequence. Every combination must be completed before restarting. Speed challenge: how many in 60 seconds?

   • ›Pace the passing — it's a combination, not a race.
   • ›Third man: arrive at full speed.
   • ›Middle player: no hesitation on the redirect.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Half-pitch attack versus passive three-defender line. Full goal with keeper.

   How to run it: Groups of three attack the defensive line using any combination — give-and-go or third-man — and finish. Defenders hold their line and provide light pressure only. Three reps per group.

   • ›Read the defence: if it's tight, give-and-go; if it's a line, third man.
   • ›Decision-making is the skill — not just the technique.
   • ›Keeper: come off your line when the attacker is through.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch half. Two active defenders and a keeper. Three attackers. Attackers must use a third-man combination before the final pass.

   How to run it: Attackers earn one point per goal; defenders earn one point per turnover or offside call. Play for three minutes then rotate one defender. Encourage the combination even if it fails.

   • ›Shape before the combination — spread wide, then combine centrally.
   • ›Third man: your run is the whole combination — commit.
   • ›Defenders: one tracks the runner, one presses the ball.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 (+keeper), 30×25 yd. Every goal counts. Bonus: teams that score using a confirmed third-man combination get a free restart from halfway for the next two minutes.

   How to run it: Coach confirms third-man sequences. Both teams have equal access to the bonus. Coach announces the free restart reward loudly to create competitive motivation.

   • ›Combine quickly — the longer the ball takes, the less space for the runner.
   • ›Disguise the through-ball pass — look one way, play another.
   • ›Third man: arrive at pace — don't give the defender a chance to track you.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 40×30 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. Coach introduces 'Combination of the Game' — at the end, coaches award this prize to the best three-man combination regardless of whether it resulted in a goal. Announced with a round of applause.

   • ›Creativity is rewarded — try combinations even in difficult positions.
   • ›Keep the ball moving quickly — combination play only works at pace.
   • ›Defend intelligently: one tracks, others cover.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle with light ball rolling.

   How to run it: Gentle solo ball work while coach recaps the week's combination theme. Ask: 'Can you link a give-and-go into a third-man combination in the same move?' Discuss briefly.

   • ›Yes — A plays to B (give-and-go), B returns to A, A plays to C (third man).
   • ›These chains create defences that can't be tracked.