This third man combination passing drill is designed to improve timing, off-the-ball movement, and quick decision-making in tight spaces. With static dummy players simulating passive defensive pressure, players are challenged to move, receive, and pass with precision.
The drill focuses on the third man concept, where the initial passer does not receive the ball directly back but becomes the third player involved in the combination. It promotes forward runs, angled passes, and scanning the next option under pressure.
🧩 Step-by-step Execution:
1. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes to Player 2, who comes toward the ball.
2. Player 2 lays it off into the run of Player 1, who continues his movement forward.
3. Player 1 then plays a diagonal pass behind the dummy player into the path of Player 3, who times his run.
4. Player 3 passes to Player 4, who also moves toward the ball.
5. Player 4 then finds Player 2, who has continued his movement to support the play.
6. Player 2 lays it off in the run of Player 4 again, who now has a clear pass forward to Player 5, coming toward the ball.
7. Player 5 finishes the drill by playing it to Player 6, positioned where the drill started.
This is a continuous pattern, allowing players to rotate and repeat the movements fluidly.