Changing the 3rd person controller from the "New Sample Assets Beta"

Hi everyone !
I've downloaded the new package from Unity, which includes a 3rd person controller.
My game is a top down 3rd person view, and I can use the mouse to shoot using a gun.
Currently the character is moving always using its forward, and when you ask it to change direction it will turn before running again or turning while running.

What I would like is to make the character to orient in a direction, and move in another one. Basically the character will have to move backwards, make side steps, etc...

Exactly like this old soldier:

I'm new in the mecanim system, and I don't even have a clue to get started to change this behaviour. How can I do it?
Thanks !