This FC Barcelona-inspired rondo is a great and fun way for players to start a training session. It warms players up while sharpening the skills that matter most in possession: quick, accurate passing under pressure, a sharp first touch, and the awareness to spot the next pass before the ball even arrives. For the two players in the middle, it doubles as lively pressing practice – closing the ball down and working together to win it back.

Why Use This Drill? 

This Building out from Goal Kick Drill is all about improving your team’s ability to start an attack and possession game right from goal kicks. It gives you the chance to try out different strategies when facing pressure from the opposing team. In today’s football, being smart about playing out from goal kicks is essential, and if your team gets it right, it can be a game-changer against tough opponents.
Practicing how to transition from phase 1 to phase 2 of the possession game is a key focus here.
The attacking players also practice high-pressure situations against opponents and learn how to press collectively as a team.

How It Works

The ball begins with the goalkeeper (or one of the defenders) making a pass like a goal kick. The players then need to pass through the pressure from the attacking players and aim to get the ball into one of the three goals up the pitch.
If the attacking team wins the ball, their goal is to score on the defenders and goalkeeper.

The small goals represent the successful play through the pressure, marking the transition to the attacking players and the next phase of the game. This is the core objective of the drill.

Experiment with different methods and strategies to pass through the pressure. Below, we’ve provided two examples for inspiration on how to build up against the pressure with a backline of 4 or 3 defenders.

Example 1: (Backline of 4 players)
The players aim to pass through the pressure, utilizing the full-back’s runs along the wide lines. The midfielders move around the pitch to open up space for the full-backs.

Example 2: (Backline of 3 players)
The focus here is on one of the defenders making a run up the pitch, either with or without the ball, aiming to create unexpected space against the pressing team.

Why Use This Drill? 

The “Play Through The Lines Possession Drill” is an excellent way for players to practice passing through defensive lines, simulating in-game scenarios to enhance their understanding of possession play. Inspired by FC Barcelona’s training methods, this drill is employed by top teams worldwide and is particularly beneficial for developing players with strong passing skills.
The involvement of a free player in the middle emphasizes the importance of playing the third man to go through the defensive lines.
Additionally, it’s valuable for defenders, teaching them to move together, stay compact, and communicate effectively.

How It Works

The starting pair passes the ball to each other as they navigate to the opposite end of the square, aiming to pass through the two defending lines with the assistance of the free player in the middle. If successful, they pass the ball to the next pair, who repeats the process.
Emphasize that players cannot dribble through the defending zone; they must pass through it. However, if the defenders intercept the ball or force it out of play, they switch positions with the pair who made the mistake, and a new round begins.
Defenders must stay compact and communicate to effectively close passing lanes. Rotate the free player in the middle every 3-5 minutes, adjusting based on the age and skill level of the players.

Why Use This Drill? 

The rondo is an excellent method for a team to enhance their possession skills in the game. Without the ball, players also learn how to effectively press as a team, emphasizing the importance of good communication.

The double rondo drill adds complexity and excitement to the standard rondo drill. It places a strong emphasis on training players’ transitional awareness, particularly in counter-attacking scenarios. This drill is crucial for enhancing possession skills and pressing techniques when the team is out of possession.

How It Works

The group of 3 players starts a 3v1 rondo within the inner square, with one defender from the opposing team attempting to win the ball. If the defender successfully wins the ball or forces an error within the outer square, the teams switch roles, starting a 5v3 rondo in the larger square. If the team of 3 players regains possession or if the ball goes out of the square, they go back to the inner square to start a new 3v1 rondo.

Rotate the defender in the 3v1 situation after each session, ensuring that every player in the 5-player team has a turn in the defender role.

Set a goal for both teams to complete 10-15 consecutive passes without losing the ball. If achieved, a penalty can be given to the other team.

Why Use This Drill? 

The Full-Back Overlap Crossing Drill is an effective way for players to practice the possession build-up phase, utilizing the full-back’s overlapping runs to deliver crosses. The emphasis is on the full-back making dynamic runs up the field. It’s recommended to involve two or more full-backs to allow for recovery time after each run. For added realism, other positions can be filled by players who typically play those roles, creating a more authentic in-game scenario.

How It Works

1. Variation
In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the full-back. The full-back then transfers the ball to the central midfielder, who subsequently feeds it to the winger. The winger takes one or two touches toward the center of the field to create space for the overlapping full-back. The full-back then receives the ball and delivers a cross, while the winger continues their run into the box, aiming to connect with the incoming cross.

2. Variation
In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the central midfielder. The central midfielder takes a directional first touch and then delivers a pass to the full-back. The full-back then takes a few touches upfield and engages in a one-two passing exchange with the winger. (The winger moves slightly toward the center of the field to generate space for the full-back.) Following this, the full-back executes a cross into the striker.

3. Variation
In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the central midfielder. The central midfielder takes a directional first touch and subsequently feeds the striker. The striker then lays the ball off to the defender or midfielder, who executes a long pass towards the overlapping full-back. Meanwhile, the winger positions themselves inside the box, running between the cones positioned at the edge of the box. The full-back delivers a cross aimed at both the winger and striker.

Why Use This Drill? 

Drawing inspiration from the Swansea team, this drill is designed to enhance possession skills and make effective attacking play. It places a spotlight on various attacking phases, including executing through balls, crossing, and finishing. By simulating real-game scenarios, the drill equips your team with diverse strategies for goal-scoring opportunities during matches.

How It Works

The drill kicks off with player 2 sending a long pass to player 3. Player 3 then passes to player 4, who maneuvers through the obstacle and delivers a long ball to player 5. Player 5 executes a cross, and both player 3 and player 4 sprint into the box, aiming for a goal. Subsequently, player 6 navigates through the obstacle on the opposite side and produces a cross. After each cycle, every participating player shifts positions.

Consider incorporating a defender in the box to deal with clearing the crosses if necessary.

Why Use This Drill? 

This 2v2 practice is a great way for players to learn and improve important skills in both attacking and defending. 

For Attackers: It helps attackers become better at creating opportunities in a 2v2 situation. They learn to move smartly without the ball and keep their attack quick. Communication with their teammates is crucial to break down the defense.

For defenders: They improve their skills by practicing how to defend in a 2v2 situation. The key is to stay close together and communicate effectively to stop the attackers.

In simple terms, this drill is like a small game that helps players become better at both scoring goals and stopping the other team from scoring.

How It Works

The game kicks off with the attackers making a pass. Their goal is to score swiftly, maintaining a quick pace in the attack. On the flip side, defenders aim to score if they manage to win the ball.

When the ball goes out of bounds, the roles switch. The attackers become the new defenders, and a new pair of attackers starts the game.

Why Use This Drill? 

The 2v1 to small goals is an excellent practice for players to enhance their skills both as a dribbler and as a defender. This drill simulates real in-game situations, allowing players to work on their technical dribbling abilities.

In this drill, attackers practice gaining an advantage in a 2v1 situation. It’s crucial for them to move without the ball, disrupting the defender’s position. On the other hand, the defender hones the skill of defending when outnumbered, requiring good game reading abilities.

How It Works

To kick off the game, the attackers make a one-two passing combination. The goal for attackers is to score swiftly, emphasizing a speedy attack. If the defender gains possession, they aim to score. It’s crucial to maintain a fast-paced attack, ensuring continuous ball movement.

When the ball goes out of bounds, the defender transitions into the attacker role for the next round.

Why Use This Drill? 

This dynamic drill promotes strategic play and patience as players navigate through two distinct zones on the field. By restricting ball movement to dribbling through the central zone, it encourages thoughtful build-up play. The defending team faces a strategic dilemma, deciding whether to press high and potentially disrupt the opposing team’s progress or hold a more cautious approach.

This scenario not only sharpens dribbling skills and decision-making for the attacking team but also challenges defensive coordination and decision-making for the defending team. The drill provides a valuable training ground for understanding the balance between defensive pressure and the associated risks, enhancing players’ tactical awareness on the field.

How It Works