Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Third man runs

1. 2v2+2 (point, join, run)

2v2+2 game to introduce the topic/principles of third man runs.  (Ensure near, next, far is high intensity) 

Players start from behind the manequin on their respective half of the pitch.  

On the whistle they sprint onto the pitch to play a 2 v 2 + 2.  They can use their 'home' base player to probe but are encouraged to utilise the point player to combine and create a third man run option.

Teams play until a goal is scored or the coach rotates. 

Game is to introduce an intensity to the session as well as competitive element (blues vs reds)    

Player /coach considerations:

Disguise on the pass

Weight and timing of the pass

Desire to run forward to join the point player 

Variation of movement and double movements

Timing of the movement 

Angle of body position

Scanning and awareness 

3. Playing structure (Point, join, run)

Passing structure 1 

These patterns are designed to give players a framework which to work from during game situations.  This also familiarizes the patterns with realistic distances and game conditions.  They can be repeated unopposed and semi opposed

Goalkeeper to centre back.  

Movement off the manequin to receive to play to opposite centre back. 

Ball played into the point who moves towards the ball 

Midfielder supprots the point man who sets the ball for the midfielder to play in the wide player.

Wide player movement detail out to in, dynmaic with timing.  Ball in front of the receiving player.  

Players attack the box.  

Centre backs must engage up to the yellow line

5. Playing structure

Passing structure 2

These patterns are designed to give players a framework which to work from during game situations. This also familiarizes the patterns with realistic distances and game conditions. They can be repeated unopposed and semi opposed

Goalkeeper to centre back to opposite centre back (high ball speed)

Ball into the full back who plays into the corner of the box for a midfield run

9 - consider moving away from the flow of the play to create space for the midfield run