Third-Man Diamond Rotation
In a diamond, the first player passes into the middle, receives the lay-off and plays to a wide player who finds the runner at the top. A pattern to automate the third-man combination.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 6–10
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 20 × 15 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Tactical: Combination play
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Passing
- Tactical:Third-man runSupport playMovement to receive
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Ball
- Cone
The third-man pass finds a player who could not be reached directly: A plays to B, B lays off, and A plays forward to C, who has moved while the ball travelled. Repeating it in a diamond teaches the angles and the timing of each player before adding opponents.
Objective
Automate the third-man combination: pass in, lay-off, pass to the free player.
Organisation
- Diamond of cones: base (A), middle (B) 8 m ahead, two wide cones (C, D) 5 m to the sides further ahead, and a top player (E). 6–10 players.
How it works
- A passes to B, B lays off first time to A, A passes to C (or D), C passes first time to E who has checked in.
- Players follow their pass. Alternate the side every repetition.
- 3 sets of 3 minutes.
Coaching points
- Middle player: show for the ball, lay off with the inside of the foot back into A's stride.
- A: pass forward first time after the lay-off.
- Top player: start the movement when the lay-off is played, not before.
Progressions
- Add a passive defender behind B.
- Finish with a shot from E.
Regressions
- Allow two touches everywhere.
Variations
- Make it a square with two balls.
Key principles
- Pass in, set back, play forward.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.