Third-Man Combination

Groove the third-man-run pattern: play into a holding player who sets it for a runner arriving from deep.

Three stations forming a triangle, with a runner starting from the deepest point.

1. Player 1 passes into the feet of Player 2 (the link).
2. Player 2 sets it first time into the path of Player 3, who runs beyond.
3. Player 3 receives in space and plays out to the next station.
4. Rotate roles so everyone is the link and the runner.

• Pass firmly into the link's feet — they can't hold a bad ball.
• The set is first time and into space, not to feet.
• Time the third-man run to arrive as the set is played.
• Receive on the move and play forward early.

• The third man leaves too late and the layoff dies — start the run as the first pass travels.
• The bounce player tries to turn instead of setting — one touch back, let the runner do the turning.
• Patterns get hit at one speed — vary tempo: slow into the combination, explode out of it.

• Add a defender on the link.
• One-touch throughout.
• Finish the pattern with a shot.

• Two touches on the set.
• Walk the timing first.
• No defender.

• The third man must be moving when they receive.