These animations show several players making third man runs; in actual fact it might be only one making this run in behind and the passer has to “spot” that run.

1. 3rd Man Run Rotations
shown through
Animation
Opponents defend HIGH;
we attack BEHIND them

2. Third Man Runs: Opponents defending HIGH, so we need to make runs in behind them
2
3
8
When the ball is played “back” that is the signal for players to make forward runs
11
10
Here the run is
made in front
of the ball
6
Late runs so
remaining
Onside
7
Zone 14
9

3. 2
3
8
forward runs from deep positions are harder to pick up and for opponents to track
10
Here the run is
made from
behind the ball
6
Diagonal pass
and a Straight
run
11
9
7
Third Man Runs: Opponents defending HIGH, so we need to make runs in behind them
Zone 14

4. Third Man Runs in behind opponents back four
2
11
8
Wing back (3) makes the third man run, (11) clears the space for this.
10
Here the run is
made from
behind the ball
6
3
9
7
Zone 14
Diagonal pass
and diagonal
run

5. 7
8
Wing back (2) makes the third man run, (7) clears the space
10
Here the run is
made from in
front of the
ball
6
Several passes
in the build up
11
3
2
9
Third Man Runs in behind opponents back four
Zone 14

6. 2
11
8
(6) Starts and finishes the move with a third man run from very deep
10
7
Here the run is
made from
behind the ball
More difficult to
pick up a run
from this deep
9
6
3
Third Man Runs in behind opponents back four
Zone 14

7. Third Man Runs in behind opponents back four
2
11
8
Shadow Striker (10) makes a third man run from deep
Here the run is
made from
behind the ball
6
3
9
7
Zone 14
Diagonal pass
and diagonal
run
10