8v3 Ajax Rondo: Improve Passing and Pressing

-February 27, 2025

This 8v3 Ajax Rondo is a high-intensity possession-based drill that develops players’ technical skills, decision-making, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Top clubs, including Ajax, use this rondo variation to enhance passing accuracy, pressing, and movement off the ball. Whether you’re coaching youth players or seasoned professionals, this drill effectively sharpens game intelligence and technical execution.

Setup

To set up this 8v3 Ajax Rondo, you will need multiple footballs for quick restarts, bibs in two different colors to distinguish teams, cones to mark the field, and two small goals positioned at opposite ends of the playing area.

The practice zone marked with cones should measure approximately 20m x 15m, providing enough space for fluid ball movement while encouraging quick decision-making.

The drill consists of eight possession players and three pressing players. The small goals serve as scoring targets for both teams, allowing for a dynamic and competitive exercise. You can practice this rondo with fewer players, but finding the right balance of pressing and possession players is problematic.

Instructions

This drill is a variation of the popular rondo used by Erik ten Hag. Some instructions have been changed to make it a game:

Distribute the possession players (blue team in the picture) into two: 5 players outside the field area and 3 inside the field.
The pressing players (red team in the picture) stay inside the field.
The blue team begins in possession and passes the ball between players outside and inside the field.
The red team applies intense pressure to regain possession and transition to attack.
Players are allowed a maximum of 2 touches: control and pass (or shoot at goal).
Blue players are not allowed to block the goals. So, they must position themselves on each side of the goals.
Both teams can score, but only the inside players can do it.
Set a target score (e.g., 5 goals) to win.
Rotate pressing players with possession players once the target has been reached.

The video below should help you understand the game.

Key Benefits and Takeaways

Incorporating this game into your training mirrors real match scenarios where players must combine passes or press the keeping-ball team. By using this exercise regularly, players enhance crucial skills:

Enhanced Passing and Ball Retention: The 8v3 rondo forces players to make quick, precise passes under pressure, developing composure and technical accuracy.
High-Intensity Pressing and Defensive Awareness: Defenders improve their pressing skills by learning to close down spaces, anticipate passes, and recover possession efficiently.
Decision-Making in Tight Spaces: With limited time and space, players enhance their awareness, movement, and ability to assess options quickly.
Fluid Team Communication: Effective communication and positioning are essential, helping players develop a deeper understanding of coordinated team play.
Match-Ready Fitness Levels: This drill’s continuous movement and high-tempo nature improve stamina, agility, and overall match fitness.

Get Involved!

Have you tried the 8v3 Ajax Rondo with your team? Please share your feedback, modifications, or training videos with us on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!

Pablo Matamoros

I am a software engineer with 25+ years of experience across diverse industries. I've climbed the corporate leader over the years, which has some benefits but means I moved away from my love for tinkering with technology. So, I build the odd website or application to keep learning and stay in touch with technology. FootballTechniques allows me to combine my programming knowledge with my passion for football.

To find out more about my professional experience, visit PabloMatamoros.com