All ages · Set pieces · 16 min
Short, Flick, or Third Man
Own the throw-in. One short option that is always on, one flick around the first marker, one third-man run in behind — then play, don’t freeze.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- Touchline channel 15 yards wide, 30 yards long, mini-goal at the far end
- Equipment
- 8 cones · 1 mini-goal · 4 balls · pinnies
Organization
Attacking 5 vs 4 on the right touchline. Thrower has 4 seconds. Attackers score in the mini-goal or by carrying over the far line. Defenders score by winning and playing back over the thrower’s line. 8 throws each way.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
Right touchline. Thrower on the line at mid-channel. Short option 2 yards inside. Flick target 8 yards ahead. Third-man runner on a diagonal in behind. Four defenders staggered. Arrow: throw to the flick, layoff to the runner.
Coaching points
- The short option starts 2 yards away and shows a foot. If it’s marked, don’t force it.
- The flick is a glancing header or a first-time lay-off, not a 50/50 duel.
- The third man times the run as the ball leaves the hands, not after the flick.
- First touch after the throw is away from the nearest marker.
Phrases to use
- “Short is always on.”
- “Flick, don’t wrestle.”
- “Third man runs on the throw, not after.”
- “First touch out of pressure.”
Progressions
- Defenders may double the short option.
- Thrower must use the flick or third man — no short.
- Shrink the channel.
Regressions
- No pressure on the first throw.
- Allow a bounce on the flick.
- Add a sixth attacker.
Common mistakes
Thrower waits 8 seconds and the defense is set.
Four-second rule. The picture is the one you see now, not the perfect one.
Everyone crowds the throw and there is no spare man.
One short, one flick, one runner. The other two stretch the far side.
First touch after the throw is back into the marker.
Receive on the far foot. The next pass is already chosen.