OR
PLAYERS:
+6
TIME:
20 min.
FOCUS:
Passing
AGE:
U10+
INTENSITY:
6/10
The Diamond Shape Passing Drill is an excellent way for younger players to both understand and apply the principles of playing on the third man. It highlights the importance of continuous movement after passing and encourages players to sustain their runs rather than admire the pass. The constant running also makes it a strong contributor to fitness levels, while the tight passing sequences train first-time passing and quality first touches, improving the technical level of the whole team in the possession phase.
The starting player begins the drill by passing the ball to one of the players stationed in the middle. The receiving player then delivers a pass to the other middle player, who lays it off for the starting player. The starting player moves to receive the lay-off and plays the ball on to the opposite wide cone, where the sequence starts again in the other direction. It is crucial in both variations that the middle players approach the ball and receive their pass with momentum, as this keeps the tempo high and teaches players how to create free space against opponents.
Third Man Run: The starting player passes into the first middle player, then runs straight through the gap between the two middle players to collect the lay-off from the second middle player and pass on to the opposite wide cone.
Overlap Run: Instead of running between the middle players, the starting player overlaps the player receiving the first pass. The passing principles stay exactly the same, only the supporting run changes.
