Third-man run
An attacking pattern where a third player times a run to receive the ball after it is passed between two other teammates.
Definition
A third-man run is built around three players: the passer, a second player who acts as a link, and a third who runs to receive the final ball. The first pass draws defenders toward the link player, who quickly releases the ball into the space the third runner is attacking.
Common in possession-based football and futsal, the move works because defenders focus on the ball and the first two players, missing the third runner arriving from deeper or wider. It relies on timing and one- or two-touch play rather than individual dribbling.
Where you’ll hear “third-man run”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Futsal
A fast, small-sided indoor form of football played on a hard court with a low-bounce ball.
Field Hockey
An outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
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Player roles
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- Target playerA target player is a focal attacker who receives, holds up and links play for others, often physically strong and good in the air or with the hands.
- AnchorThe anchor is a cross-sport holding role: a steadying, defensive-minded player who shields the back line, screens danger and gives teammates a reliable base.
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.
Positions
- Centre (netball)The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- WingerA winger is an attacking player who operates in the wide areas of the pitch, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.
- Goal shooterThe goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
Rules
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- OffsideA rule that prevents an attacker from gaining an advantage by being positioned too close to the opponents' goal ahead of the ball and the last defenders.
Tactics
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
Decision making
- Situational awarenessHolding an overall picture of what is happening around you — teammates, opponents, ball, space and the state of the game — and keeping it updated as play unfolds.
- Positioning choicesDeciding where to place yourself — often before the ball arrives — to cover space, stay ready to act and shape what an opponent can do.
- Transition decisionsThe choices made at the moment a situation flips — winning or losing the ball, and switching between attack and defence.
- Option recognitionSeeing what actions are actually available in a moment — the passes, shots or moves on offer — before choosing between them.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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