🧵THREAD: Third Man Runs in Football.

The Hidden Weapon of Elite Attacking Play.

Third man runs are one of the most effective patterns for breaking down compact defences.

But what exactly are they and how do you coach them?

Let’s break it down in full detail 👇

@SundayShare10 #SundayShare 1️⃣ What is a Third Man Run?

A third man run occurs when:
•Player A passes to Player B
•Player B does not progress the ball himself
•Instead, Player B plays a pass to Player C who is running beyond the defensive line

Player C is the third man, exploiting the space created by A and B’s interaction.

🧵 Coaching Detail: On / Around / Away from the Ball

Want to make your sessions more effective?

Start thinking about where you coach — not just what you coach.

@SundayShare10 #SundayShare 1. Coach on the ball 🟡

This is the most common — and often the easiest — place to coach.

✅ Support play
✅ First touch
✅ Decision-making
✅ End product (pass, dribble, shot)

🗣️ You’re focusing on the player in possession and their immediate choices.

🧵 What is a Game Model in Soccer?

Let’s break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in coaching.

👇 A thread for coaches, players, and curious fans:

#SundayShare @SundayShare10 1/
A Game Model is your team’s blueprint.

It’s the set of principles, behaviors, and ideas that guide how your team plays — in possession, out of possession, in transition, and in set plays.

It answers the big question:

🧠 “How do we want to play?”

🧵 The Golden Zone in Football: Where 80% of Goals Are Born

@SundayShare10 #sundayshare

Inspired by @power_ray and his great new book “coaching through superiorities”

If you want to score more goals—or stop conceding them—start with this: most goals come from one key area.

Let’s break down the Golden Zone—and the Assist U that feeds it.👇 1/
The Golden Zone is the highest-value area on the pitch.

Think: the width of the goalposts and the stretch from the penalty spot to the six-yard box.
It’s football’s prime real estate.

How to Play Out from the Back Like a Pro: A Thread ⚽🔍

1/ Why Play Out from the Back?

Playing out from the back helps maintain possession, control the tempo, and break opponent presses.

But it requires precision, confidence, and structure.

Let’s break it down. 👇🏻 2/ The Basic Structure

Most teams use a variation of a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 to build out. The common setup:

🔹 CBs split wide
🔹 Fullbacks push higher or invert
🔹 A pivot (CDM) drops to receive
🔹 The GK becomes an extra passer

Overlapping vs. Underlapping Runs in Soccer: Explained

Let’s break them down! 🧵👇 1️⃣ What are Overlapping & Underlapping Runs?

These are off-the-ball movements used by fullbacks, wingers, or midfielders to create space, break defensive lines, and generate attacking opportunities.

•Overlapping Run → A player runs outside their teammate, closer to the touchline.

•Underlapping Run → A player runs inside their teammate, toward the center of the pitch.

Thread: How to Create Passing Lanes in Soccer ⚽️

Here’s a breakdown of how to open space and improve your team’s passing game. 🧵👇🏻 1️⃣ Movement off the ball

•Teammates must constantly move to create angles for the player in possession.

•Standing still allows defenders to block potential passing lanes. Always think: How can I help the player on the ball?

1/⚽ The 3-5-2 Formation: A Tactical Breakdown 🧵

The 3-5-2 is a flexible system that balances attack and defense. It became popular in the 1980s and remains effective today. Let’s dive into its structure, advantages, and challenges! 👇 2/ The Basics of the 3-5-2 Formation

•3 Center-Backs (CBs): Provide defensive solidity and wide coverage.
•5 Midfielders: Includes 2 wingbacks, 2 central midfielders, and 1 attacking midfielder or holding pivot.
•2 Forwards (STs): Lead the attack and offer options in transition.

It looks like this:

What is Relational Play?

Relational play is a concept that emphasizes decision-making based on relationships between players, space, and the ball. It’s not about rigid tactics but about creating dynamic synergies.

A thread:🧵⚽👇🏻 1/ So… What is relational play?

It’s an approach where players focus on reading the positions, movements, and intentions of teammates, opponents, and spaces rather than following fixed patterns.

Think: adaptive, fluid, and connected team play.

What is Positional Play?

A thread:🧵⚽👇🏻

@SundayShare10 #SundayShare 1/ What is positional play?

Positional play, also known as “juego de posición,” is a tactical philosophy focused on creating numerical advantages and exploiting spaces on the field. The goal is to dominate possession and control the game by positioning players in optimal areas.

What is Gegenpressing? 🧵⚽

Gegenpressing is more than just winning the ball back; it’s a philosophy that turns defense into attack in seconds.

This thread breaks down the tactics, key principles, and why it’s been a game-changer for modern soccer.

👇🏻 1/ What is Gegenpressing?

Gegenpressing, German for “counter-pressing,” is a tactical philosophy where a team immediately presses their opponent to win the ball back after losing possession. Instead of retreating, they attack the opponent’s attack.

The Role of a Box-to-Box Midfielder:

From relentless defending to driving the attack, these players do it all.

A thread 🧵 👇🏻 1/ What is a box-to-box midfielder?

A box-to-box (B2B) midfielder is one of the most versatile and hard-working players on the pitch. They contribute in both attack and defense, covering ground from their own penalty box to the opposition’s.

Zonal Marking vs Man-to-Man Marking: A Soccer Breakdown 🧵⚽

1/ Marking in soccer is crucial for defensive strategies. Two main systems dominate: zonal marking and man-to-man marking. But what do these approaches mean, and how do they work?

Let’s break it down. 👇 2/ Zonal Marking

•Each defender is responsible for a specific zone of the pitch.
•Players focus on covering space rather than following a specific opponent.
•The goal? Maintain team shape and cut off passing lanes.

Key strength: Defensive structure and discipline.

Weakness: Vulnerable to smart movement and overlaps.

What is a Double Pivot in Midfield? 🤔⚽️

The double pivot is a common tactical setup in soccer, especially in formations like 4-2-3-1. It involves two central midfielders working together in the deeper areas of midfield.

A thread: 🧵 👇🏻 1/ Basic Definition:

A double pivot consists of two holding midfielders who play side by side. Their primary role is to provide balance between defense and attack, acting as a shield for the backline while helping to build play from deep.

The Importance of Compactness in Defence: A Thread 🧵⚽ 1/ What is Defensive Compactness?

Defensive compactness refers to the ability of a team to stay tight and organized both horizontally (across the field) and vertically (from front to back). It ensures limited space for the opposition to exploit.

Using Rotations in Midfield: A Tactical Thread

1/ Introduction

Midfield rotations are one of the most effective tools in modern soccer. They allow teams to disrupt defensive setups, create overloads, and unlock space.

This thread breaks down how rotations in midfield work and why they’re so important. 🧵👇🏻 2/ What Are Midfield Rotations?

A midfield rotation occurs when players interchange their positions within the midfield structure. For example, a defensive midfielder drops deeper, allowing an attacking midfielder to push higher or wide, creating fluid movement and unpredictability.

What is a Rest Defence? ⚽️🧵

Rest defence is a critical but often overlooked aspect of modern soccer tactics.

It refers to the defensive structure a team maintains while they are in possession of the ball, preparing for a potential loss of possession.

Let’s break it down: 👇🏻👇🏻 1/ The Concept

While a team attacks, they don’t fully commit all players forward. A well-structured rest defence ensures that if the ball is lost, the team is ready to win it back quickly or limit the opposition’s counterattack.

Thread: How to Play Through a High Press in Soccer

We break it down here 🧵👇🏻 1/ In modern soccer, teams often deploy a high press to disrupt buildup and force turnovers in dangerous areas. To counter this, you need a clear strategy, good positioning, and calm execution. Here’s how to play through a high press effectively:

How to Defend in a Low Block: A Soccer Masterclass 🧵⚽

1/ What is a Low Block?

A low block is a defensive setup where the team drops deep into their defensive third, staying compact to deny space and frustrate the opposition. It’s often used against stronger teams or when protecting a lead.

Let’s break it down! 👇 2/ Key Principles of a Low Block:

•Compactness: Minimize space between the lines (defense, midfield) to prevent the opponent from playing through.
•Horizontal & Vertical Discipline: Players stay in position to maintain structure.
•Patience: Wait for the right moment to press or intercept.

The Basics of Counter-Attacking Football: A Thread 🧵👇🏻 1/ What is Counter-Attacking Football?

Counter-attacking football is a tactical approach where teams prioritize quick transitions from defense to attack, capitalizing on the opposition being out of position. It’s all about speed, precision, and exploiting spaces left by opponents.

The Role of the False 9 Explained 🧵

1/ In modern soccer, positions are fluid, and one of the most fascinating roles is the false 9. It’s not just about scoring goals—it’s about disrupting defensive structures. Let’s break it down! 👇 2/ Traditionally, the “9” is a striker who operates as a focal point for the attack, staying high and central to score goals. A false 9, however, drops deeper into midfield, confusing defenders and creating space for teammates.