Breaking Lines with Third Man Support

Improve players’ ability to break lines through third man combinations and positional rotation, with an emphasis on supporting play and decision-making in tight areas

Third Man Movement • Time the run based on the passers cues • Arrive into space, not already standing in it • Use disguise in your movement to avoid being tracked Positioning and Support • Keep good distances and angles for passing options • Midfielders must constantly adjust positions to provide depth and support • Recognise when to receive to feet versus in space Body Shape and Scanning • Set body shape early to see the next action • Scan before and after every pass to assess options • Back foot reception where possible to play forward quickly Encourage short, sharp passing • Use one or two touches to increase tempo and realism • Final pass should be crisp and purposeful