Switch the Square: Two 3v1 Rondos
Two 3v1 rondos side by side: after four passes in one square, the ball is switched to the other. Keeping the ball, looking up and the long pass, for small groups.
- Age
- U9–U19
- Players
- 8–10
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 28 × 10 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Possession game
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing
- Tactical: Ball possession, Switching play
- Concepts worked on
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
A rondo with a purpose beyond keeping the ball. One team has three players in each of two squares; the ball circulates in one of them until four passes allow a switch to the other square. The players in the empty square must get ready for the long pass, and the players with the ball must look up to see when the switch is on.
Objective
Keep the ball against one defender and, after four passes, switch it with an accurate long pass to the other square.
Organisation
- Two 10 × 10 m squares with 8 m between them.
- Three attackers and one defender in each square.
- With 9 or 10 players, the extra players become a third defender who may move between squares (see progressions) or rotate in.
How it works
- The attackers in the square with the ball keep it 3v1.
- After four passes they may play a long pass to the other square: the switch scores a point.
- The defender who wins the ball or forces it out swaps places with the attacker who lost it.
- Rounds of 2 minutes; change defenders each round. 4–5 rounds.
Coaching points
- Always offer two passing lines: the defender can only close one.
- Look at the other square before receiving the fourth pass: you should already know where the switch goes.
- Long pass along the ground and firm, to a teammate who has moved to the near side of their square.
- Players in the empty square: move to the side nearest the ball and receive side-on.
- The first touch after the switch sets up the next pass: away from the defender.
Progressions
- A shuttle defender runs to whichever square has the ball: 3v2 there.
- Two touches maximum.
- The switch is only allowed with a lofted pass.
Regressions
- Only three passes before the switch.
- Reduce the distance between squares to 5 m.
- Free touches and no defender in the receiving square.
Variations
- Add a midfielder between the squares who must touch the ball in each switch (third man).
Key principles
- Keep the ball, then switch.
- Look up before receiving.
- The long pass must arrive along the ground and firm.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.