8v3 Ajax Football Rondo Drill with Mini Goals

Diagram showing an 8v3 Ajax Football Rondo Drill with Mini Goals
SOCCER.COM - 25/26 Jersey Selection

If you want a rondo that feels like a real game, this 8v3 Ajax setup is a great fit for adult amateur teams. It keeps the ball moving under pressure, sharpens support angles, and forces quick pressing reactions, while still staying simple enough to run with minimal direction — a football rondo drill that stays competitive from the first pass.

Setup

Mark out a rectangular area with cones (approximately 20m x 15m). Place two mini goals at opposite ends of the area.

Split the players into a possession team (8) and a pressing team (3). Possession team (Blue) sets up with 5 players outside the area and 3 players inside. Pressing team (Red) stays inside the area.

Start with a possession player outside the area ready to pass the ball into a teammate inside.

Equipment Needed

Rules & Instructions

This is a competitive rondo game that keeps pressure high and forces quick decisions on the ball.

  • Start Play:
    • An outside possession player passes the ball to a teammate inside the area.
    • All players use a maximum of 2 touches.
    • Only players inside the area can shoot and score.
  • Possession Team:
    • Keep possession by passing between outside and inside players.
    • Either team can score, but only players inside the area can shoot and score in either mini goal.
    • Outside players can set up to the sides of the mini goals.
    • Outside players are not allowed to stand in front of a mini goal to block a shot.
  • Pressing Team:
    • Press to win possession.
    • After winning possession, pass between pressing players or try to score in either mini goal.
  • Restart:
    • After a goal is scored, the possession team restarts from outside the area with a pass into the area.
    • After the ball goes out, the possession team restarts from outside the area with a pass into the area.
  • Rotation:
    • Play until one team scores 5 goals.
    • Once a team reaches 5 goals, rotate pressing players with possession players.

The video below shows the drill in action.

Coaching Tips

  • Demand scanning before the first touch so players can play quickly.
  • Keep the outside possession players moving to create clear passing angles into the middle.
  • Coach the inside possession players to check away, then arrive to receive on a different line.
  • Press as a unit: one pressing player engages while the others stay connected and block obvious lanes.
  • After the win, play the first pressing pass with urgency and look for a quick finish.
  • Keep spare balls with the outside players to maintain continuity.

Why It Works for Adult Amateur Teams

This game creates constant match-like decisions: keep the ball under pressure, support the player in possession, and react immediately when possession changes. Because both teams can score and restarts are quick, it stays competitive and keeps intensity high without needing a coach to stop play.

For adult amateur teams, it’s a clean way to train passing quality, pressing habits, and quick finishing in a tight space while still feeling like a game.

Key Outcomes:

  • Faster passing and cleaner first touches under pressure.
  • Better support angles between inside and outside players.
  • More coordinated pressing and quicker reactions after turnovers.
  • More composed finishing from central positions in tight spaces.

Get Involved

If you want more drills like this, Sign up to our newsletter for a practical session idea each week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and tell us how it went.

Related Posts