1v3 Pressing Drill - Ball Recovery

Pressing drill - Defending when outnumbered

This 1v3 pressing drill gives adult amateur players a competitive way to recover the ball when outnumbered while improving fitness, reactions and control.

Setup

Set up two small rondos in parallel, with a slalom lane leading towards each rondo as shown in the animation.

You do not need a full football pitch, but allow enough space for both rondos to run at the same time.

Use 10 players split into two teams of 5. Each team has 3 players in a rondo and 2 players waiting beside the slalom.

The drill can also work with 8 players. Fewer than 8 does not provide enough players for both rondos, while more than 10 can reduce the intensity.

Equipment Needed

Rules & Instructions

Run both rondos in parallel as teams race to rotate every player through pressing, possession and the starting queue.

  • Mark 2 slalom lanes and 2 rondos.
  • Split the players into 2 teams of 5.
  • Put 3 players per team in a rondo.
  • Queue the other 2 beside the slalom.
  • Dribble through the slalom at speed.
  • Pass into the rondo and enter immediately to press.
  • Limit possession players to 2 touches.
  • Stop the rondo when the defender touches the ball.
  • Dribble to the opposite rondo after winning it.
  • Pass to a teammate there and swap roles.
  • Join that rondo as a possession player.
  • The teammate dribbles back to the original queue.
  • Pass to the next player waiting to start.
  • Keep the other rondo active during each swap.
  • The first team to rotate all players through the full circuit wins.

Coaching Tips

  • Cue players to attack the slalom at speed with close control.
  • Demand an immediate press after the pass into the rondo.
  • Coach the defender to close passing lanes, not just chase the ball.
  • Encourage players to read the receiver and anticipate the next pass.
  • Demand firm, accurate passes during each rotation.
  • Remind possession players to prepare their first touch for the 2-touch limit.
  • Watch the role changes and keep players clear of the active rondo.
  • Encourage early communication to keep the rotations organised.

Why It Works for Adult Amateur Teams

The drill combines a physical action with an immediate defending problem. After controlling the ball at speed through the slalom, the player enters a rondo and tries to recover possession while outnumbered.

Players must close passing lanes, read the opposition and press efficiently rather than relying on numbers. The possession players also need accurate passing and a clean first touch because they are limited to 2 touches.

For adult amateur teams, the continuous rotations add useful fitness work without separating conditioning from football actions. The race between teams encourages players to maintain intensity throughout the drill. Coaches can quickly spot poor pressing decisions, loose first touches, inaccurate passes and disorganised rotations.

Key Outcomes:

  • Faster ball recovery when outnumbered
  • Smarter pressing and passing-lane control
  • Better control at speed
  • Cleaner passing and first touch
  • Stronger teamwork and coordination

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