TeloframeTeloframe
Features
For CoachesFor ClubsPricingLibraryDrills
Sign inStart free
TeloframeTeloframe
The connected football coaching platform. Plan sessions, build drills, manage teams, develop players, visualize tactics.
Product
Tactics Board3D PitchAnimation TimelineAI ToolsSession PlannerDrill EditorTeam ManagementPlayer DevelopmentClub WorkspaceExport & Sharing
Explore
Tactical LibraryFormations guideSession plansTraining Drill LibraryYouTube tutorialsBlog
For
Academy coachesFirst-team staffFederationsContent creatorsAgenciesSession Planner SoftwareTactics Board Software
Company
AboutPricingFAQContactCareersOpen TeloframeSecurity
© 2026 Teloframe (formerly FC Tactix). All rights reserved.
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceData Processing AddendumSubprocessorsCookie Policy
TeloframeTeloframe
Features
For CoachesFor ClubsPricingLibraryDrills
Sign inStart free
/
/
/
TeloframeTeloframe
The connected football coaching platform. Plan sessions, build drills, manage teams, develop players, visualize tactics.
Product
Tactics Board3D PitchAnimation TimelineAI ToolsSession PlannerDrill EditorTeam ManagementPlayer DevelopmentClub WorkspaceExport & Sharing
Explore
Tactical LibraryFormations guideSession plansTraining Drill LibraryYouTube tutorialsBlog
For
Academy coachesFirst-team staffFederationsContent creatorsAgenciesSession Planner SoftwareTactics Board Software
Company
AboutPricingFAQContactCareersOpen TeloframeSecurity
© 2026 Teloframe (formerly FC Tactix). All rights reserved.
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceData Processing AddendumSubprocessorsCookie Policy
TeloframeTeloframe
Features
For CoachesFor ClubsPricingLibraryDrills
Sign inStart free
Home/Training Drills/Passing Drills/Third-Man Combination
Teloframe OfficialReviewed by Teloframe

Third-Man Combination

Break lines by finding the third man. Play into feet to fix the defence, time the supporting run to arrive as the layoff is played, and set the runner into space, not to feet.

Live animationPAS
Duration
12 min
Total drill time
Players
4
Recommended
Pitch
44 × 36 m
Setup space
Level
Intermediate
Skill required
Intensity
High
Physical demand
Age band
U9-U10
Any format

Setup & instructions

A deep player has the ball, a forward shows to feet, and a third player waits to run from deep. Play into the forward, time the run to arrive as the ball does, and lay it first time into the runner's path to finish. Reward first-time layoffs and third-man finishes. Progress from unopposed to a defender screening the pass.

Setup time: 2 min

Coaching focus

FROM SESSION PLAN

Coaching points

  • Play into feet to fix the defenders on the first two players
  • Third man times the run to arrive as the layoff is played, not before
  • Lay it first time into the space ahead of the runner, not to feet
  • Weight the pass so the runner can take it in stride
  • Scan before you receive so the finish is one movement
  • Disguise the run: arrive late from behind the defence

Common mistakes

  • The runner arriving too early and being marked or offside
  • Laying the ball to the runner's feet instead of into space
  • Forward taking a heavy touch and killing the tempo
  • No disguise, so the defence reads and tracks the third man

Progressions & regressions

VARIATIONS

Progressions

  • Add a defender screening the forward to force a sharper layoff
  • First-time layoff and first-time finish only
  • Third man finishes, then becomes the forward for the next rep

Regressions

  • Unopposed, with a walk-through of the run timing
  • Allow the forward two touches to set the layoff
  • Slow the pattern until the timing of the run is right
Equipment
Cones×3
Full Goals×1
Audience
U9-U10

Make it yours

Fork this drill into your private library, then tweak the animation, swap equipment, or drop it into a session.

Explore more drills

LIBRARY
All Passing drillsAll drill collectionsPassing for U9-U10

Ready to run this drill?

Fork it into your private drills, then change the animation, adjust positions, swap equipment, or drop it into a session block.

Library
TeloframeTeloframe
The connected football coaching platform. Plan sessions, build drills, manage teams, develop players, visualize tactics.
Product
Tactics Board3D PitchAnimation TimelineAI ToolsSession PlannerDrill EditorTeam ManagementPlayer DevelopmentClub WorkspaceExport & Sharing
Explore
Tactical LibraryFormations guideSession plansTraining Drill LibraryYouTube tutorialsBlog
For
Academy coachesFirst-team staffFederationsContent creatorsAgenciesSession Planner SoftwareTactics Board Software
Company
AboutPricingFAQContactCareersOpen TeloframeSecurity
© 2026 Teloframe (formerly FC Tactix). All rights reserved.
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceData Processing AddendumSubprocessorsCookie Policy