Modern football demands players to have exceptional awareness, quick decision-making, and the ability to break defensive lines efficiently. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by mastering third-line passing and positional play to move the ball between defensive blocks. This article explores two essential drills designed to improve players’ ability to support teammates, maintain good body orientation, and execute precise passes under pressure.

Whether you're a coach looking to refine your team’s passing structure or a player aiming to improve your off-the-ball movement, these drills will help you develop the skills needed to break down defenses and control the tempo of the game. Let’s dive into the details!

Drill 1: Using Good Body Shape and Orientation to Receive a Third-Line Pass

 
Objective:

•    Improve players’ ability to move the ball to a free player between defensive lines using a third-line pass.
•    Develop awareness, movement, and synchronization between teammates to break defensive shapes.
•    Enhance body positioning and orientation to receive and play forward effectively.

Setup & Execution:

•    Players Needed: 4 active players per drill setup + mannequins to represent defenders.
•    Field Setup:
o    Divide the field into three zones to replicate a defensive setup.
o    Use mini goals to encourage attacking intent after receiving.

Step-by-step Actions:

1.    Player D starts with a long ball to Player A.
2.    Player A receives and moves towards the sideline to shift the defensive shape.
3.    Player B moves to a supporting position in front of a mannequin (simulating a pressing opponent) and receives the pass.
4.    Player C adjusts their body shape (half-turned) and positions themselves in an effective supporting angle.
5.    Player C receives the pass, immediately turns towards play, and attacks one of the mini goals.
6.    Players rotate positions after each round to develop positional awareness for all roles.
•    Drill is performed simultaneously on both sides to ensure all players get repetitions.

Coaching Points:

✅ Body Shape & Orientation:
•    Always receive on the half-turn to see both the ball and space ahead.
•    Open up to receive and play forward immediately.
✅ Synchronization Between Players:
•    Movement should be timed perfectly so that the next pass option is available before receiving.
•    Spacing is key—don’t crowd the passing lanes.
✅ High Tempo & Decision Making:
•    Players should aim to play quickly with minimal touches (2-touch maximum if possible).
•    Encourage scanning before receiving to improve decision-making speed.

Progressions & Variations:

🔸 Introduce Defenders: Add passive defenders first, then active ones to replicate real-game pressure.
🔸 Limit Touches: Restrict touches (e.g., 1-touch for final pass) to improve passing speed.
🔸 Increase Difficulty: Instead of passing to a mini-goal, player C must combine with a striker to finish.

Drill 2: Moving the Ball to a Free Player Between Lines by Going Around

 
Objective:

•    Teach players how to move the ball to a free player by switching play and bypassing defensive pressure.
•    Improve structured build-up play and positioning.
•    Train midfielders and fullbacks to play effective forward passes.

Setup & Execution:

•    Players Needed: 6-8 players (GK, CBs, fullbacks, CDM, wingers, attacking midfielders).
•    Field Setup:
o    Use a central white area where No. 6 (CDM) can enter when needed.
o    Place mini-goals or a goalkeeper to simulate finishing situations.

Step-by-step Actions:

1.    The coach starts by passing to No. 6 (CDM), who drops back to receive.
2.    No. 6 passes to a central defender (No. 5 or No. 4).
3.    The central defender plays wide to a fullback.
4.    The fullback now has two options:
    Play an inside pass to No. 6, who then finds an attacking midfielder (No. 8 or No. 10).
    Pass forward to a winger, who drops back before passing inside to No. 8/10.
5.    The attacking midfielder must finish the play by scoring against the goalkeeper.

Coaching Points:

✅ Decision Making:
•    Teach players when to go inside vs. when to play outside to bypass defenders.
•    Encourage triangular passing structures to create multiple passing lanes.
✅ Positioning & Movement:
•    No. 6 should time their movement into the central area effectively.
•    The winger should drop back at the right moment to support play.
✅ Quick Ball Circulation:
•    Encourage 1-2 touch passing to keep the ball moving quickly.
•    Players should always scan before receiving to play forward efficiently.

Progressions & Variations:

🔸 Add Defensive Pressing: Introduce passive defenders first, then active defenders to make decision-making more realistic.
🔸 Limit Touches: Allow only 2-touch play in midfield to increase tempo.
🔸 Full-Field Build-up Play: Extend the drill to include an actual striker finishing the attack.
Both drills are essential for teams looking to improve breaking defensive lines, supporting teammates, and playing with high intensity.

Tactical Importance of These Drills

•    Breaking Defensive Lines: These drills help players understand how to disrupt the opponent's shape and find space between defensive lines.
•    Building Play from the Back: The ability to progress the ball effectively is crucial for modern football, where teams emphasize possession-based play.
•    Creating Goal-Scoring Opportunities: Both drills encourage forward play and decision-making in the attacking third.

Common Mistakes Players Make & How to Fix Them

Drill 1: Third-Line Passing
❌ Mistake: Players don’t check their shoulders before receiving.
✅ Fix: Encourage constant scanning before the ball arrives.
❌ Mistake: Poor body positioning (facing the passer instead of half-turn).
✅ Fix: Train players to receive at an angle, allowing them to turn quickly.
❌ Mistake: Slow ball movement, allowing defenders to recover.
✅ Fix: Set touch limits (2-touch max) and increase tempo.
Drill 2: Moving the Ball Around to Find a Free Player
❌ Mistake: Midfielder (No. 6) doesn’t move into space in time.
✅ Fix: Emphasize timing of movement, using triggers (e.g., pass to CB signals No. 6 to drop in).
❌ Mistake: Fullbacks pass too early without assessing options.
✅ Fix: Encourage fullbacks to take an extra touch if needed to allow movement ahead.

How to Adapt These Drills for Different Formations

🔹 4-3-3 Formation:
•    No. 6 plays a key role in distributing forward or wide.
•    Wingers must time their movement properly to support the central play.
🔹 4-2-3-1 Formation:
•    The double pivot (No. 6 & No. 8) needs to coordinate movement to maintain balance.
•    The No. 10 has a crucial role in linking midfield to attack.
🔹 3-5-2 Formation:
•    Wingbacks become more involved in wide build-up play.
•    Central midfielders must be aware of pressing triggers before progressing the ball.

Psychological & Mental Training Aspects

•    Decision-Making Under Pressure: These drills simulate match situations, forcing players to think quickly.
•    Communication & Leadership: Encouraging constant verbal and non-verbal communication strengthens teamwork.
•    Confidence in Possession: Training players to receive and turn under pressure builds composure.

How to Incorporate These Drills Into a Full Training Session

🔹 Warm-Up (15 min)
•    Passing & Movement Drill (e.g., Rondo with a focus on scanning and body positioning).
🔹 Main Session (40 min)
•    Drill 1 (Third-Line Pass) – 20 min
•    Drill 2 (Going Around) – 20 min
🔹 Game Simulation (20 min)
•    Small-sided game (7v7 or 9v9) where players apply learned concepts in a realistic setting.
🔹 Cool-Down & Reflection (10 min)
•    Light jogging, stretching, and a discussion on what worked well and areas for improvement.

Additional Variations & Competitive Elements

•    Timed Challenges: Players must complete a certain number of successful passes within a set time.
•    Defensive Pressure: Introduce defenders who actively press to make decision-making more realistic.
•    Points System: Award points for successful third-line passes and quick transitions.