Third-man triangle passing

Setup

1. Mark a 25 × 20 m box. Groups of three attackers and one defender per box.
2. A starts with the ball at the bottom-left; C starts next to A, and B starts high in the middle.
3. The defender stands between A and the space C wants to run into, blocking the direct pass.

How it runs

1. A plays into B, who checks toward the ball to receive.
2. B plays first time into C, who has run past the defender into space.
3. C dribbles out of the far end; the three rotate roles and go again from the other side.
4. The defender is passive at first, then plays at half pace once the pattern is clean.

Coaching points

• C starts the run as A's pass is played, not after B receives.
• B, check away then toward the ball, and set it with an open body.
• Pass into the runner's path, not to their feet.
• Firm, flat passes on the ground.

Common mistakes

• C runs too early and is standing still when the ball arrives.
• B takes a touch, so the defender has time to shift.
• Soft passes that the defender can step in and cut out.