16.2 3v1 rondo: Fast readjustments - FIFA Training Centre

This rondo aims to enhance a player’s ability to quickly readjust their body shape, feet and positioning to constantly offer triangular passing lanes with a view to retaining possession in a tight area.

Methodology

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
This 3v1 rondo works on a player’s ability to quickly readjust so as to constantly offer triangular passing lanes with a view to keeping the ball in tight areas. The rondo focuses on player-level aspects such as ball control and passing under pressure, but the key element is the constant positional readjustments that the members of the in-possession team are asked to make. Players are tasked with moving after each pass so as to keep the passing lanes open and to identify the position that they should take up. Fast reactions and quick decision-making are fundamental aspects of this exercise. Players are challenged to identify when to play quickly and when to slow play down to draw the defender in. Quick footwork is another important element of the drill, and it helps players to shift their bodies in the right direction and to play more effective passes.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
This rondo revolves around the player and focuses on quick control, passing and positioning with a view to retaining possession. The exercise is not relevant to a specific phase of play or team strategy and instead looks to enhance a player’s skills and reactions when involved in three-player combinations in tight areas. Players should be able to apply the skills acquired when they find themselves in any triangular formation across all areas of the pitch. The exercise is non-position-specific.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
This exercise involves a 3v1 rondo played in a tight area, which encourages the players to perform at high intensity. The drill involves three in-possession players who set up in a triangle. The fact that the exercise features one defender simulates a game scenario in which the in-possession team have a significant numerical overload in a tight space. The triangular exercise area helps players to readjust their position when out of possession and ensure that they are constantly offering passing lanes.

Session plan

Players have to adjust their position constantly in order to secure possession.

Organisation

Mark out a 10m x 10m x 10m triangle.
Position 3 attackers and 1 defender inside the triangle.
Give the attacking team a ball.

Explanation

The 3 attackers try to keep possession by passing the ball to each other.
The defender presses the attackers to attempt to win the ball.
If the defender wins the ball, they immediately switch roles with the player who lost possession.

Key coaching points

(1/3) Players off the ball should constantly move to create clear and varied angles of support for the ball-carrier.

(2/3) Players should recognise when to use one-touch passing to evade pressure and when to hold the ball to draw in a defender.

(3/3) Players should maintain optimal spacing—neither too close nor too far apart.

Roles of the coach