Third Man Overlap

Today's attacking combo is another variation of the third man run that involves an overlapping run. An overlapping run is a powerful way to gain a numerical advantage since the defender must choose between defending the runner and defending the ball. The third man overlap is shown below:

Description

The right midfielder passes the ball into the forward and continues his run down the line (Red/Yellow #1). The forward then passes the ball back to the central midfielder (Red #2) who then plays a through ball into the space behind the defense for the right midfielder to run onto (Red #3).

Here is a video demonstration of this passing sequence by Arsenal:



This is a good example of how hard it is for a team to stop an attacking run that is coming from the back. The opposing team's defenders are concerned with the forwards and don't anticipate overlapping run. Try this attacking combo in your next practice or game.

GOOD LUCK!