Rondo Pressing Drill - Win the Ball Back Fast

Diagram of a rondo pressing drill in a 12×12m grid with four mini-goals and two teams pressing and keeping possession.
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This rondo pressing drill is a fast, competitive game to rehearse pressing on the first pass and winning the ball back quickly. It’s ideal as a high-intensity block in a defensive session or as a sharpener before small-sided games.

Setup

Mark out a 12 × 12 metre grid using cones. All players operate inside this area once play begins.

Place four mini-goals outside the grid, one on each side. These act as finishing targets once the possession team completes the required number of passes.

The drill is played with even numbers, typically 4v4, though it can scale up as long as numbers remain equal. One team starts as the possession team inside the grid, while the pressing team begins outside and enters as soon as the first pass is played.

Equipment Needed

Rules & Instructions

The aim is to win it back fast, secure possession, and play to score. If the pressing team regains and controls the ball cleanly within two touches, they become the possession team and the pass count resets. The possession team must complete six consecutive passes before they can score in any of the four mini-goals.

  • Start Play: Possession team starts inside the grid; pressing team starts outside and enters as soon as the first pass is played.
  • Touches: Maximum two touches per player.
  • Possession Team: Complete six consecutive passes; after six passes, keep circulating or attempt to score in any of the four mini-goals.
  • Pressing Team: Enter on the first pass and press to win the ball; if the ball is won and controlled cleanly within two touches, roles switch immediately.
  • Role Switch: The team that wins and controls the ball becomes the possession team; the pass count resets to zero; play continues with no stoppage.
  • Restarts: If a goal is scored, a shot misses, or the ball goes out of the grid, restart with the same roles (possession in, defenders out) and the pressing team enters again on the first pass.

Coaching Tips

  • Coach the first action after a regain (secure control, then play a simple pass).
  • Reinforce compact pressing distances and clear support angles.
  • Demand tempo under fatigue (quick restarts, quick decisions).
  • Encourage constant communication during role switches.
  • Cue scanning before receiving so the next pass is ready within two touches.
  • Push quick finishing choices after the six-pass trigger (head up, pick the best mini-goal).

Why It Works for Adult Amateur Teams

Adult amateur games are often decided in the seconds after possession changes. This drill forces players to press immediately, win the ball back, and secure it cleanly before building play again.

Because the switch only happens on a controlled regain, players learn to value the first touch and the first pass. The repeated restarts keep intensity high without adding complicated mechanics.

Key Outcomes

  • Faster reactions when pressing on loss of possession
  • Cleaner regains and quicker first-pass decisions
  • Better compactness and support when hunting the ball
  • More reliable execution under fatigue
  • Improved transition into possession before finishing

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