PossessionPassingSupport AnglesFirst Rondo
3v1 Triangle Rondo
The first rondo — three keep it from one, learning support angles without the chaos of bigger numbers.
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
- Three attackers keep the ball; the player off the ball moves so the passer always has two options.
- The defender hunts; win it or kick it out and swap with the responsible attacker.
- Count consecutive passes out loud — set a target like 8.
- 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