Link-Up Play with Third Man

Description

A center forward receives the ball with back to goal, lays it off to a central midfielder, who then plays a through-ball for an overlapping wide player or runner making a third-man run in behind the defense. This drill teaches the crucial three-player combination that unlocks defenses: the hold-up, the set, and the penetrating pass. It develops timing of runs, weight of pass, and understanding of the third-man concept.

Setup

Use one half of a field with a full-size goal and goalkeeper. CF starts on the edge of the box with a defender. CM starts 10 yards deeper. The third-man runner starts wide or deep. Server plays the ball to the CF, who lays off to CM, who plays through for the runner to finish.

Coaching Points

• +The CF lay-off must be firm and accurate — into the CM's stride, not behind them
• +The third-man runner must time the run to arrive as the CM receives, not before
• +The CM should play the through-ball first time if possible to maintain the speed of the attack
• +All three players must communicate the timing — the CF calls "set," the runner calls "go"

Progressions

1. 1.Add a second defender who tracks the third-man runner
2. 2.Allow the CF to turn and shoot if the defender over-commits to the lay-off
3. 3.Vary the third-man run — overlap wide, diagonal through the channel, or blindside run

Equipment

Skills