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Free activity · 100 Possession ActivitiesRun and Through
Passer, target and runner against one defender. The passer plays into the target’s feet, the runner goes on that pass, and the target lays it into their path. A simple pattern for a run that beats the defense.
Setup
A 20x15 with a mini goal and one defender. Three attackers: passer, target, runner.
How it works
- Passer plays into the target’s feet. The runner goes on that pass. Target lays it into the runner’s path.
- Finish in the mini goal inside eight seconds.
- Defender starts goal side of the target.
Scoring
Ten goes each; count finishes.
- Runner: go as the first pass is played.
- Target: set it first time into the space.
- The pass into the target has to be firm.
Make it easier or harder
- Progression 1: The target may spin and score if the defender steps in front.
- Progression 2: 3v2 with a defender on the runner.
Coach’s notes
- If It Stalls: Runners offside? Runner starts level with the target and may only go on the pass.
Why it works
The trigger is what matters here. The runner does not go when they feel like it. They go when the ball goes into the target, and that is what a third-man run is.
It only works if the first pass is firm. A soft ball gives the defender time to step in front, and the whole move is gone.
Where it sits
This is activity 72 of 100 in 100 Possession Activities (Theme 8 · Timing of Runs and Playing Forward). The book is ten themes of ten rungs each, from a 3v1 square to a full 9v9 transition game, and every activity has its setup, rules, scoring, two progressions, three coaching points and an animated video like the one above.
More like this
Ages 11+ · Possession and passingRun on the TouchA passer and a runner on a 20x15 with a mini goal.
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Ages 11+ · Possession and passingTiming RondoAfter four passes, one attacker breaks out toward goal.
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Ages 11+ · Possession and passingBeat the Offside LineRun behind the line on the pass, never before. Offside is called strictly.
Open the activity ›All ten rungs of this theme, and nine more themes
100 Possession Activities is a 115-page PDF with 100 animated MP4 videos: rondos, playing out from the back, through the lines, support, switching, overloads, movement, timing, counter-pressing and counter-attacks. Print the page, watch the clip, run the session.