Third-Man Combination with Deep Pass and One-Touch Finish

The aim of the exercise is to develop combination play, third-man play, and finishing.
Special emphasis is placed on the timing and accuracy of the deep pass, coordinated off-ball movement, and the ability to finish quickly with one touch in the final third.
The drill also improves body orientation, and attacking synchronization between players.

Published: 03.02.2011.
Last updated: 20.04.2026.
Category: Soccer Drills - Soccer Finishing Drills
Hits: 4390
Age Age: 12 - 20+
Difficulty Difficulty: 2
Space Space: Quarter
Keeper Keeper: 1,2
Players Players: 6 - 10
Individual + Team Team
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Organisation

The exercise is set up in the attacking third, using a full-size goal with a goalkeeper.
Players are positioned in three main roles:

  • at the starting position with a ball,
  • at the poles without a ball,
  • and on both sides of the goal.

Of the players positioned on either side of the goal, one is without a ball, while the other has a ball and provides the pass for the second-wave finish. The ball and no-ball roles next to the goal change with each attack, ensuring that the exercise runs continuously on both sides. Several balls are placed at the starting position to maintain continuous execution and intensity. During the exercise, players rotate positions according to a predefined pattern, allowing everyone to practice each role.

Description and Graphics

The exercise starts from the initial position, where the player in possession makes a short dribble and then plays an accurate pass to a teammate moving out from between the poles into a wide position.
The receiving player sets the ball back with one touch, then immediately turns and makes a run toward the goal, following the movement of the ball (adjusting the speed if needed to arrive at the optimal moment in the finishing zone), as well as the development of the attack.
The starting player plays the ball forward with one touch or minimal touches, delivering a precise, low through pass to a teammate positioned near the goal without the ball.
This player, if possible, delivers a one-touch pass into the penalty area, where the previously supporting player arrives and attempts to finish the action.
At the same time, the starting player continues the movement toward the opposite side, where another teammate is positioned with a ball and plays a second pass into their path.
The attacking player then finishes the action in a second wave, meaning the drill includes two finishing actions following one combination.
After the sequence, players rotate positions in a predefined pattern.

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Set up

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