Gegenpressing rondo 6v2 with mini goals and recovery run
Two facing 6v2 rondos with mini goals on the sides: the defenders score the instant they win the ball, the player who loses it must counter-press immediately and, if a goal is conceded, sprint to defend the other grid. The Klopp-style counter-pressing rondo.
Los exteriores conservan a dos toques; los dos defensores presionan coordinados.
Objective
Automate the immediate reaction after losing the ball (counter-press) and punish a slow reaction with a recovery run to the opposite grid, while the defenders learn to go to goal the moment they win it.
Organisation
Two 10x10-yard grids 20 yards apart, with a mini goal on each outer side of each grid. In each grid six outside players (red) keep the ball against two defenders (blue). Spare balls beside each grid and two colours of bibs.
Development
- 1The six outside players keep possession with two touches; the two defenders press together (one on the ball, the other closing the inside line).
- 2When the defenders win the ball they try to score immediately in either mini goal of their grid; the outside players must react and block them with an immediate counter-press.
- 3If the defenders score, the player who lost the ball and the team-mate on his left sprint to the opposite grid to defend there; the two defenders in that grid become outside players in the grid they vacate.
- 4If the defenders do not win the ball within two minutes, two fresh defenders come in.
- 5Two-minute sets; the team with the most mini-goal goals wins.
Coaching points4
- On losing the ball the nearest player presses the ball in the same action, without looking for a team-mate.
- The second outside player closes the passing line to the nearest mini goal: block first, then win it.
- Defenders who win the ball go to goal with the first useful touch: the scoring window lasts two seconds.
- The defender not on the ball sits between the ball and the inside of the grid to cut the pass.
Common mistakes3
- Outside players complaining about the loss and giving away the first second without pressing.
- Defenders taking three touches to secure the ball after winning it and losing the advantage.
- Jogging the recovery run: it must be a sprint or the punishment means nothing.
Variations3
- One touch for the outside players when the level allows.
- Only a goal in the mini goal furthest from where the ball was won counts.
- Three grids in a line for groups of 24.
Progressions2
- Defenders need two passes between them before shooting: forces the outside players to organise the counter-press instead of just blocking the shot.
- Shrink the grid to 8x8 m to speed up turnovers and pressing.
Regressions2
- 7v2 with three touches for youth players who cannot yet handle the tempo.
- No recovery run to the other grid: the player who loses the ball simply goes inside.
Tips
- Time the regains: the team that recovers fastest after losing the ball earns a bonus point.
- Place the mini goals tight to the sideline so the shot is short and the counter-press matters.