Free practice Possession & Rondos · Fitness & Warm Ups · Defending
Atleti Continuous Fitness Rondos
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Develop repeated pressing efforts and the ability to retain possession under pressure.
How it works
A pressing cycle moves through three connected rondos. Pairs sprint into the next grid to defend against six players, with each regain triggering the next pair's run.
• On the coach's whistle, two players leave the first grid and sprint into the second.
• They press the six possession players and work together to win the ball.
• Once they regain possession, two players from the second grid sprint into the third to repeat the task.
• After that regain, two players from the third grid sprint into the first.
• Continue the cycle, with possession teams keeping the ball moving while pressing pairs react quickly to their turn.
Develop repeated pressing efforts and the ability to retain possession under pressure.
How it works
A pressing cycle moves through three connected rondos. Pairs sprint into the next grid to defend against six players, with each regain triggering the next pair's run.
• On the coach's whistle, two players leave the first grid and sprint into the second.
• They press the six possession players and work together to win the ball.
• Once they regain possession, two players from the second grid sprint into the third to repeat the task.
• After that regain, two players from the third grid sprint into the first.
• Continue the cycle, with possession teams keeping the ball moving while pressing pairs react quickly to their turn.
Coaching points
• Encourage Explosive and Quick Transitions Between Grids – Players must sprint rapidly and be mentally prepared to switch roles from possession to pressing instantly.
• Stress Communication and Awareness During Rotations – Effective verbal and non-verbal cues will help players anticipate the timing and positioning of incoming defenders.
• Promote High-Intensity Pressing with Controlled Aggression – While pressing hard, players need to maintain discipline to avoid fouls and maintain effective pressure.
• Focus on Maintaining Possession Under Intense Pressure – Possession teams should use quick, precise passing and smart body positioning to withstand the 2v6 challenge.
• Stress Communication and Awareness During Rotations – Effective verbal and non-verbal cues will help players anticipate the timing and positioning of incoming defenders.
• Promote High-Intensity Pressing with Controlled Aggression – While pressing hard, players need to maintain discipline to avoid fouls and maintain effective pressure.
• Focus on Maintaining Possession Under Intense Pressure – Possession teams should use quick, precise passing and smart body positioning to withstand the 2v6 challenge.
Progression 1
Reduce Recovery Time Between Rotations
Shorten the rest or pause between rotations to increase fitness demands and test players' endurance.
Focus: Builds greater aerobic capacity and mental resilience by minimizing recovery and encouraging sustained high effort.
Shorten the rest or pause between rotations to increase fitness demands and test players' endurance.
Focus: Builds greater aerobic capacity and mental resilience by minimizing recovery and encouraging sustained high effort.
Progression 2
Limit Touches for Possession Teams
Implement a maximum of two touches per possession player to increase technical difficulty and decision speed.
Focus: Enhances quick ball control and sharp passing under intense pressure, improving technical and tactical sharpness during fitness work.
Implement a maximum of two touches per possession player to increase technical difficulty and decision speed.
Focus: Enhances quick ball control and sharp passing under intense pressure, improving technical and tactical sharpness during fitness work.
