Rondo Pressing Drill – Win the Ball Back Fast

-July 30, 2025

In modern football, pressing is not just about winning the ball — it’s about what you do immediately after. This Rondo Pressing Drill trains your team to press aggressively, recover possession, and quickly attack.

Unlike traditional rondos, where the focus is only on ball circulation, this variation introduces goal-scoring opportunities after a set number of passes, making it much more realistic. It challenges both attackers and defenders, encouraging composure, teamwork, and urgency in transitions.

This is a high-intensity exercise that prepares players for match-like pressing situations, perfect for amateur adult teams looking to level up their game.

Setup

For this drill, you will need between 8 and 12 players. The playing area should be marked out as a square grid measuring roughly 12 metres by 12 metres, though you can adjust the size depending on the number and level of your players. Use cones to define the grid clearly.

Place four mini goals outside the grid, one on each side. These provide the targets for the possession team once they complete their required passes. You will also need one or two footballs to keep the drill flowing, and bibs to distinguish the pressing players from the possession group.

Inside the grid, position 6 to 8 players as the possession team, while 2 to 4 players act as the pressing side. The coach’s role is to manage the timing, scoring rules, and rotations, ensuring the intensity remains high throughout the drill.

Equipment Needed

Cones to mark out a 12m x 12m grid
Four mini goals (one on each side of the grid)
One or two footballs
Bibs to distinguish pressing players

Instructions

The goal of this drill is not only to practise keeping the ball under pressure but also to condition players to make quick, decisive choices when the chance to attack arises. Both teams have clear roles designed to replicate real match situations:

Start Play
- Possession players begin inside the 12m x 12m grid. Pressing players wait outside until the first pass is played.
- As soon as the first pass is executed, the pressing team moves in to apply pressure.
Possession Team Rules
- Must complete six consecutive passes before attempting to score.
After six passes, they may score in any of the four outside goals.
- If the shot misses, the drill restarts with pressing players outside the grid.
- No points are awarded for passes alone — scoring is the reward.
Pressing Team Rules
- Attempt to intercept and win the ball through coordinated pressing. After winning possession, complete two clean passes.
- Doing so earns 1 point, and the drill restarts with pressers outside the grid.
Rotation
- Work until one team reaches 5 points, or run sets of 3 minutes before rotating players.
- Rotate pressing players with possession players to ensure balance and intensity.

Key Benefits and Takeaways

Press with Purpose: Trains compact pressing as a coordinated unit to actively cut off passing lanes—not just chase the ball.
Pressure Triggers Recognised Quickly: Players learn to react instantly to cues like poor touches, sideways/backwards passes, or slow circulation.
Composure Under Pressure: Possession players maintain control through six passes, then decisively break into attack—balancing calmness with urgency.
Urgent Transition Play: Forces decisive action during the first 5 seconds after recovery or the sixth pass, simulating match-like turnover situations.
Decision‑Making in Tight Spaces: Players must scan, communicate, and pick optimal passing or scoring options under time pressure.
High Work Rate, Sustained Quality: Rotation and short work intervals help maintain intensity, fitness, and sharpness throughout training sessions.

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Pablo Matamoros

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