How To Coach 3rd Man Runs (FREE Exercises)

Gary Curneen
8 hours ago
2 min read

In modern football, where defensive structures are tighter and pressing systems are smarter than ever, teams need creative ways to progress through pressure. One of the most effective — yet often misunderstood — solutions is the third-man run. It’s a small concept that creates big outcomes, connecting awareness, movement, and timing into one moment that completely changes the game. In our latest Modern Soccer Coach YouTube episode, Gary Curneen dives into how coaches can design environments that teach this behavior naturally — from rondos to small-sided games, all with decision-making at the heart.

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You can get the full exercise breakdowns below:

⚽ Exercise 1: Warm-Up Rotation — Introducing the Third-Man Concept Organization

Players: Groups of 3 (two groups working simultaneously).
Area: 15x25 yards, divided into three horizontal zones.
Equipment: Cones and balls.

Player 1 starts with the ball in the first zone and plays a vertical pass into Player 2, who checks short into the middle zone.
As the pass travels, Player 3 supports on an angle and plays a first-time pass into Player 1’s forward run into that same middle zone (the third-man movement).
The move continues with Player 1 playing vertically into the next zone to complete the sequence.
Players rotate positions after each repetition (1 → 2 → 3).
Alternate sides so timing and movement patterns develop on both flanks.

⚽ Exercise 2: Finishing Combination — Third-Man Run in the Final Third

Players: Two groups of 4–5 (mirror sides).
Area: 25x30 yards, marked with a wide channel for combination play.
Equipment: Balls, mannequins or cones for spacing, and full-size or mini goals.

The sequence begins with a bounce pass between the wide player (11) and central midfielder (10).
The wide player checks short to receive and set, while the midfielder makes a third-man run beyond into the channel.
The wide player releases the pass into the runner’s path for a first-time cross or finish.
Rotate sides so both groups practice attacking from left and right.

Combine both sides simultaneously, allowing central midfielders to time runs together and visualize spaces between defensive lines.
Add recovering defenders to increase pressure and force decisions.

⚽ Exercise 3: Directional Game — Recognizing Third-Man Runs in Possession

Players: 10v10 — reds play with one fewer player to create small overloads.
Area: Half-pitch
Equipment: Full goals or mini-goals, bibs, cones.

Blues build from the back with CBs (4 and 5) circulating possession.
Reds press in a mid-block — no #9, encouraging Blues to provoke pressure and play through lines.
Blues earn two points for a goal created from a third-man combination (coach identifies or players call it out).
The exercise is continuous, with free play and transitions encouraged.