3v1 Triangle Rondo
Three players keep the ball from one defender in a small triangle. With only two passing options, every player must move to stay available.
- Age
- U7–U12
- Players
- 4–16
- Duration
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 8 × 8 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Possession game
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Tactical: Ball possession
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:PassingReceiving
- Tactical:Support playBall retention
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
The 3v1 is harder than the 4v1 because each player has only two options. If the receiver does not move along the line, the defender cuts the pass easily. It is a great first rondo to teach support angles: the player without the ball always moves to make a triangle with the carrier and the defender.
Objective
Keep possession by moving to create a passing angle when you do not have the ball.
Organisation
- Triangle of cones about 8 m per side (larger for younger players). Three attackers, one defender in a bib.
How it works
- Attackers pass around the triangle; they may move between the cones but not inside.
- The defender who touches the ball swaps with the attacker who made the mistake.
- Rounds of 60 seconds; count passes in a row.
Coaching points
- Move so the defender is not between you and the ball.
- Receive on the far foot and pass with the next touch.
- Pass to the teammate who is free, not the nearest one.
Progressions
- Two-touch limit.
- Smaller triangle.
Regressions
- Bigger triangle; the defender only intercepts.
Variations
- Square with three attackers: one side is always empty and players move to fill it.
Key principles
- Without the ball, create the angle.
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