DrillsPedia

Adult Pro Third-Man Pattern

For players who already pass well, this raises the tempo and asks for sharper timing, angles, and movement beyond the ball.

How to set it up
CONTROL THE NEXT ACTION

A simple setup view for this drill.

Setup

Build two connected passing lanes with a central player, a wall player, and a runner. The central player receives under pressure, sets the ball, and opens the next lane for the runner.

Steps

  1. Start with a firm pass into the central player.
  2. Central player checks away before receiving.
  3. Set the ball to the supporting player.
  4. Runner attacks the next lane as the set is played.
  5. Rotate after a full sequence and increase tempo only when the timing is clean.

Coaching points

  • Scan before the pass arrives.
  • Use the first touch to protect the next action.
  • Run on the cue, not on a guess.
  • Keep the pass weight sharp but playable.

Common mistakes

  • Running before the receiver has a picture.
  • Standing behind the defender's line.
  • Forcing one-touch play.
  • Ignoring recovery between high-tempo rounds.

Make it easier

Remove the defender and allow two touches in the central role.

Make it harder

Add a recovering defender, reduce the space, or finish the sequence under a time limit.

How to know it is working

The group keeps the passing rhythm while the runner arrives on time and the next action stays forward.

Safety

Use a full warm-up, manage high-speed repetitions, and keep recovery between rounds.

Next practice

Pick one short session. Stop while the child still wants another turn.