Attacking
Combination Play — Third-Man Runs in the Final Third
Three groups of 6 work in channels in the attacking third
Theme
Attacking
Duration
20 min
Players (min–rec–max)
18–18–18
Equipment
cones, bibs, balls
Set-up
Three groups of 6 work in channels in the attacking third. Winger combines with CAM, CAM lays off to arriving striker, striker finishes. Rotate roles. Passive then semi-active defenders added progressively. Both GKs in goal taking turns.
Coaching points
- The third man must move before the second pass — anticipation, not reaction.
- Barnock: play the right pass early; if the striker run is on, hit it — don't hold and overanalyse.
- Finish with conviction — placement over power at close range, power when the angle demands it.
Progressions
- Add a live defender on the striker to create a proper finishing situation under pressure.
- Vary the entry point: sometimes the winger combines, sometimes the full-back overlaps to start the move.