7v3 positional rondo in three zones (up-back-through)
Directional rondo with two end zones and a middle third. Seven possession players (two targets in each end zone and three inside) against three defenders. Score with a ground pass to the far targets: 1 direct, 2 through the middle third, 5 for an up-back-through combination.
El objetivo 1 juega por dentro al 3, que aparece entre líneas.
Objective
Offer support with the right angle, distance and timing, position between and beyond the lines to influence the defenders, and progress centrally with third-man combinations.
Organisation
30x20 m rectangle divided into three zones: two 5 m end zones and a 20 m middle third. Two targets in each end zone and three free possession players in the middle third; three defenders in bibs rotate every 2 minutes. Coach with balls outside the area to restart play towards the opposite targets.
Development
- 1The coach serves to the targets in one end zone and the seven possession players try to play the ball on the ground to the targets in the opposite end zone.
- 2Scoring: 1 point for a direct pass from one end zone to the other; 2 points if the ball goes through a player in the middle third; 5 points for an up-back-through combination (pass inside, lay-off to a target or another inside player, and a through pass to the far zone).
- 3The three defenders press in the middle third and may enter the end zones to close the direct pass.
- 4If they win the ball they score by connecting three passes; the coach then restarts with a new ball towards the opposite side.
- 5Rotate defenders every 2 minutes; 20 minutes in total with a running score per team.
Coaching points4
- Support with angle, distance and timing: appear when the ball carrier looks up, not before.
- Position between or beyond the defenders' lines to drag them and open the passing lane.
- Body orientation to see the whole area and play forward first time.
- Move the ball to move the defenders: the bounce pass back sets up the through pass.
Common mistakes3
- Inside players offering on the same line as the target and killing the pass.
- Overusing the 1-point direct pass when the middle third is free.
- A soft lay-off that lets the defender anticipate the through pass.
Variations3
- Two touches for inside players and one touch for targets.
- 1-2-3-1 rotation: one target, two and three inside players, one target, to mirror a 7-player structure.
- Targets may step into the middle third after playing.
Progressions2
- Four defenders (7v4).
- Only the 5-point combinations score.
Regressions2
- 35x25 m area and passive defenders in the end zones.
- No scoring system: count only successful zone switches.
Tips
- Explain the scoring with a demonstration before starting.
- Enough balls with the coach to restart without pausing.