4v4+3 Possession Game: Finding the Third Man
Possession drill where the ball is worked end-to-end via the central neutral. Develops scanning, set passes, and third-man combinations.
In possession · Build-up4v4 + 3 neutrals25 x 20 mU13 to senior4 x 3 mins
Organisation
- • 25 x 20 m grid with two end neutrals on the short sides.
- • One central neutral always plays with the team in possession.
- • Spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.
Rules
- • Team in possession combines with the three neutrals: 7v4 overload.
- • Point: play from end neutral to end neutral via a third man.
- • Maximum 2 touches, central neutral limited to 1 touch when setting the ball.
- • On turnover, immediately transition and switch roles.
Coaching points
- • Scan before the ball arrives to identify the free player.
- • Set the ball with good weight and onto the correct foot of the third man.
- • Adopt an open body shape to look and play forward.
- • After setting the ball, immediately support and create a new passing angle.
Variations
- • Easier: add an extra neutral or increase the pitch size.
- • Harder: 1 touch for the central neutral at all times.
- • Transition: scoring within 5 seconds of winning possession counts double.