Passing Diamond with Third-Man Runs
Diamond passing pattern in which the ball reaches the third man through a support touch and a first-time lay-off. Develops timing, pass weight and support movement.
Step 1Pase inicial
1 / 3
El jugador de la base pasa al lateral mientras la punta viene en apoyo.
Objective
Improve the accuracy and weight of short passes and automate the third-man run after a support movement and a first-time lay-off.
Organisation
Four cones forming a 12x12 m diamond. One player on each cone; the player at the base starts with the ball. You need one ball (two to increase density) and four cones. With 8 players, place two per cone.
Development
- 1The base player (1) passes to the left-side player (2) while the top player (3) checks towards the ball to offer support.
- 2Player 2 plays first time into the feet of 3, who lays off first time to the right-side player (4), who has cut inside to receive as the third man facing the opposite goal.
- 3Player 4 carries the ball and returns it to the base; the support player returns to the cone and 4 recovers position.
- 4Every player follows the pass and takes the next position in the diamond. After four minutes, reverse the direction of circulation to work both feet.
Coaching points4
- Passes must carry enough pace for the receiver to play first time without adjusting.
- Player 3's support movement is late and fast: first fake away, then come to the ball.
- The third man starts the run while the ball is travelling to the support player, never before.
- Open body shape: the receiver positions to see both the ball and the next pass.
Common mistakes3
- Under-hit passes that force the support player to wait and break the rhythm of the sequence.
- The third man arrives too early and receives standing still instead of on the move.
- Lay-off played backwards instead of towards the third man's space.
Variations3
- Restrict every player to one touch except the third man, who may carry the ball.
- Add a second ball starting on the opposite cone to double the number of actions.
- Reverse the direction every two repetitions so both feet are used.
Progressions2
- Add a passive defender in the middle of the diamond to disturb the passing line to the support player.
- Enlarge the diamond to 18x18 m to demand longer passes and deeper runs.
Regressions2
- Shrink the diamond to 8x8 m and allow two touches at each station.
- Remove the preliminary support run and play the sequence with players fixed on the cones.
Tips
- Calling the rhythm out loud ('support', 'lay-off', 'third') helps synchronise the sequence.
- Correct body orientation first and the technical quality of the pass second.