Why is it called the third man?

Because three players are involved: the passer, the player who lays the ball off, and the third one, who receives it on the run.

What is the difference between a third-man run and a give-and-go?

In a give-and-go the first passer gets the ball back. In a third-man run a different player receives it.

Who is usually the third player?

Often a midfielder running past a striker, or a wide player coming inside. Any player can be the third one if they move at the right moment.

What is a third-man run in soccer?

A third-man run in soccer is a run by a third player who gets the ball after two teammates have passed to each other. It is used when the direct pass to that player is blocked: the ball goes to a nearby teammate first, and that teammate plays it on.

Other names: third player, up-back-through.

Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.

Third-Man Run: diagram

Number 6 cannot pass straight to number 8, because an opponent stands in the way. So number 6 passes up to number 9, who lays the ball off into the path of number 8, the third player, running forward. Open this diagram as a picture.

How a third-man run works

The first player passes forward to a teammate who is marked from behind.
The third player starts running as that pass is played, not after it arrives.
The middle player lays the ball off with one touch, into the runner’s path.
The runner receives facing forward, with the defenders still looking at the middle player.

Common mistakes

Using it when the direct pass was open. An extra pass only gives defenders time.
The third player running too early and standing still by the time the ball comes.
A lay-off played to feet behind the runner instead of into the space ahead.

In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal

In 7v7 it is simply “find the third player”. In 11v11 coaches call the whole pattern up, back and through. In futsal the third player often supports a marked pivot from a different line.

Questions about the third-man run

Why is it called the third man?
Because three players are involved: the passer, the player who lays the ball off, and the third one, who receives it on the run.
What is the difference between a third-man run and a give-and-go?
In a give-and-go the first passer gets the ball back. In a third-man run a different player receives it.
Who is usually the third player?
Often a midfielder running past a striker, or a wide player coming inside. Any player can be the third one if they move at the right moment.

Lessons that teach it

Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.

Play the lesson: Use the Next Teammate