Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Rondo #8 - 5vs3 - ProActive Passing

Rondo 5vs3 - Playing out of the back

An area of 20x20yds, with 10 players max divided into 2 equal teams. The players used in this 5vs3 are simulating the tactical scenario of playing out of the back and how to combine with each other against a team who presses with two forwards representing a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield. In this example the CB #5, LFB #3, RFB #2 HMDF #6 and AMDF #8 are combining to keep possession of the ball.

The objective is to keep possession within a diamond shape outside/inside the square. This is much more difficult for players because depth perception is required against three players who are pressuring and supporting each other as a unit eliminating the space centrally.

In this example the #5, starts with the ball and plays a 2nd line pass to #3 who plays a 3rd line/split pass to #6 who plays a first time pass to #5 who has moved to support the play diagonally. #5 plays to #2 and as a team they can play to the furthest player #8 and recycle possession.

Teams can rotate into the center to defend as a unit, when they intercept the ball and repossess it by playing 10 passes against the one player #6 (Red) in the middle of the square. A second defender (Red) can enter after 10 passes, a third defender (Red) after 20 passes. if the Blue team makes 10 passes no matter how long they keep possession they become the team to play out of the back.

Coaching Points:

Dispersal - Use as much of the space available to make the defender run. Create length and width within the square based on the ability to receive and pass the ball quickly.

Angle of Support - always create and maintain a triangle shape.  Open body to see majority of the field (left and right) and receive the ball on your front foot to move. When to show between the lines of defenders and when to play behind them to receive the ball.

Distance - make sure you position yourself where the defender can not mark two attackers

Timing/Decision Making - when and when not to play the 3rd line/split pass, if not how to switch the play quickly

Passing - make safe side passes where only your teammate can receive the ball; pass to the foot away from the defender

Touch Direction - is the ability to take their first touch away from pressure or eliminate the opponent to link to their next action

Tempo - the pace of the ball means to make the ball travel fast enough not to be intercepted but controllable

Good Position - is where you can receive the ball at your feet but it can not be intercepted