Drill Library
PossessionPassingSupport AnglesFirst Rondo

3v1 Triangle Rondo

The first rondo — three keep it from one, learning support angles without the chaos of bigger numbers.

Open diagram

Theme

Possession

Difficulty

Foundation

Duration

10 min

Players (min–rec–max)

4–4–8

Area

10 × 10 yards

Session phase

Warm Up

Age groups

U8, U9, U10, U11

Equipment

4 cones, 1 ball, 1 bib

Objective

The building block of all possession play: two passing options at all times, made by moving off the ball.

Set-up

10x10 grid. Three attackers on the perimeter, one defender inside.

How it runs

  1. Three attackers keep the ball; the player off the ball moves so the passer always has two options.
  2. The defender hunts; win it or kick it out and swap with the responsible attacker.
  3. Count consecutive passes out loud — set a target like 8.
  4. Rounds of 90 seconds, defender always rotates even without winning it.

Coaching points

  • When the ball moves, you move — re-make the triangle around it.
  • Open body so the next pass can go first time if needed.
  • Pass away from the defender's lunge side.
  • Heads up: see the defender AND your teammates.

Common mistakes

  • The third attacker stands behind the defender where no pass exists — move to the open corner, every pass.
  • Passes are hit straight at the defender hopefully — wait one beat, move them with a fake first.
  • Players watch their pass instead of adjusting for the next one — pass and re-angle immediately.

Progressions

  • Two-touch limit.
  • Shrink to 8x8.
  • Graduate to 4v1 then 4v2.

Regressions

  • Bigger grid.
  • Defender at half pace.
  • Coach plays as a fourth attacker.

Constraints

  • Maximum three touches per attacker.

Tags

possessionrondofoundationsupport