Third-man runs in the final third

Setup

1. Half pitch with a goal and keeper. Attackers: a holding midfielder, a striker, an attacking midfielder and a winger.
2. Defenders: two centre-backs and a holding midfielder. Spare players queue behind each role and rotate.

How it runs

1. Unopposed first: 6 reps each side. Pass into the striker, set first time, third player runs beyond and finishes.
2. Then live 4v3 plus keeper from the holding midfielder's first pass, 15 seconds to score. Defenders who win it counter to the coach on halfway.
3. 4 × 5 min live, 90 s rest. Change starting roles each block.

Coaching points

• The striker checks short only when the centre-back is ready to follow. That run makes the space; the third player uses it.
• The third player starts their run as the pass goes into the striker, not when it arrives, from the defender's blind side.
• Striker sets with one touch, weighted into space in front of the runner, never to their feet.
• Finish early and across the keeper, before the covering centre-back gets back.

Common mistakes

• The runner goes too early and is caught offside or tracked.
• The pass into the striker is soft, so the striker needs an extra touch and the moment is gone.
• The third player stops running to watch the set.