3v1 triangle rondo: fast readjustments
Rondo from the FIFA Talent Coach Programme: three possession players in a 10 m triangle against one defender inside. The focus is readjusting body shape, feet and position after every pass so the ball carrier always has two triangular passing lanes.
Step 1Pase y presión
1 / 3
El 1 juega al 2; el recuperador salta a presionar al 2.
Objective
Readjust position and body shape after every pass to keep constant support triangles with the right distance between team-mates.
Organisation
Equilateral 10x10x10 m triangle marked with three discs. Three possession players, one on each side of the triangle, and one defender in a bib inside. Possession players may move along their side. Spare balls by one vertex. Run several triangles at once.
Development
- 1The three possession players circulate the ball while the defender presses; every pass forces the other two to readjust so the ball carrier always has two options.
- 2The furthest player without the ball slides along their side until a clear angle opens, out of the defender's cover shadow.
- 3The ball carrier decides: first-time pass if the lane is clean, or hold the ball to draw the defender and free the other team-mate.
- 4If the defender touches the ball or it leaves the triangle, the player responsible swaps roles immediately.
- 590-second sets with a change of defender if no ball has been won; count the runs of ten passes.
Coaching points4
- Clear and varied angles of support: never on the same line as the defender.
- Recognise when to play one touch and when to hold the ball to draw the defender.
- Optimal spacing: not so close that the defender covers both, not so far that the pass is slow.
- Open body shape on receiving so you can see the defender and the second team-mate.
Common mistakes3
- Standing still at the vertex after passing and handing the defender the next lane.
- Forcing a pass once the defender has closed the lane instead of holding and playing the other way.
- All three possession players too close together, with a flattened triangle.
Variations3
- Two touches maximum, then one touch.
- 8 m triangle for advanced players.
- Double rondo: two adjacent triangles and a long switch pass on the coach's call.
Progressions2
- Move to a 4v2 in a square while keeping the readjust-after-every-pass rule.
- The defender may leave the triangle to press the ball carrier.
Regressions2
- 12 m triangle and unlimited touches.
- The defender presses passively during the first minute.
Tips
- Call for the readjustment out loud after every pass until it becomes a habit.
- Ideal as a ball activation before larger rondos.