U10 Soccer Practice: Mastering Third Man Runs (90-Minute Session)
Introduction:
Welcome to our 90-minute U10 soccer practice session! Today’s focus is on helping young players understand and execute “third man runs” — a foundational attacking movement that encourages teamwork, off-the-ball awareness, and creativity in the final third. This session is designed to be energetic, engaging, and suitable for players aged 9-10.
Warm-Up:
Begin with a dynamic warm-up to prepare players for the session. Use fun activities to get everyone moving and thinking about their movements off the ball.
- Activity: Tag Relay
- Divide players into two teams. One team starts as “taggers” and the other as “runners.”
- Within a defined grid, “taggers” try to tag as many “runners” as possible in 2 minutes.
- Switch roles and repeat for 2 rounds.
- Encourage players to change direction, communicate, and look for open space.
Technical Activity:
Next, introduce the concept of third man runs in a simple, controlled environment.
- Activity: Passing Triangle
- Set up groups of 4 in a triangle formation, with one player as a defender in the middle.
- Assign players: Player A (ball), Player B, Player C, and Defender D.
- Player A passes to Player B; Player C makes a “third man run” behind Defender D to receive a pass from Player B.
- Rotate positions every 3 minutes so all players get to practice the movement and defending.
- Focus on timing, communication, and off-the-ball movement.
Main Drill:
Progress into a more game-like situation, adding defenders and goals to make the activity more realistic.
- Activity: 3v2 with Third Man Runs
- Set up a small field (25×20 yards) with small goals at each end.
- 3 attackers vs. 2 defenders. Attackers start with the ball and must attempt to score, utilizing third man runs.
- Encourage the off-the-ball attacker to time their run after the initial pass is made.
- Defenders try to win the ball and counter-attack.
- Rotate attackers and defenders after each attempt.
- Progression: Add a neutral player to create overloads and additional third man run opportunities.
Scrimmage:
Conclude with a small-sided game to allow players to apply the session’s theme in a free-play environment.
- 7v7 or adjust numbers as needed for your group size.
- Encourage players to look for and execute third man runs during the game.
- Pause occasionally to highlight good movements or to discuss decision-making.
Coaching Points:
- Watch your timing — make your run just as the pass is about to be played.
- Communicate with your teammates — use verbal and visual cues.
- Move into space quickly and with purpose.
- Scan the field before making your run to find the best angle.
- Encourage creativity and reward players for attempting the movement, even if it doesn’t succeed every time.
Tags:
U10, Soccer Practice, Third Man Runs, Youth Soccer, Attacking Movement, Coaching Drills, Small Sided Games