Week 24 Gegenpressing 8v4 Rondo

Instructions/Setup:

This practice takes place in a 30 by 30-yard area and focuses on developing gegenpressing and quick transitions. Set up two teams: a 8-player possession team and a 4-player defending team. The attacking team (8 players) must complete 8 consecutive passes to gain the right to attack two mini-goals at either end of the area. If the defenders win possession of the ball through small errors (such as the ball going out of play or contact errors), they will transition immediately and attempt to shift the attacking players and regain control. The defending team should follow up quickly after winning the ball and shift to prevent the attacking team from continuing their sequence. If the defenders succeed in forcing an error or regaining possession, the sequence is restarted, and the attacking team must rework their play.

Coaching Notes:

• Gegenpressing principles – The defenders should immediately press the ball as soon as they lose possession, with the goal of regaining the ball as quickly as possible. Encourage quick reactions and high intensity when transitioning from defense to attack.

• Attacking team movement – The attacking players should work on maintaining possession while being aware of the press. Quick passes, good communication, and moving into space to receive are crucial for breaking the press effectively.

• Defensive organization – The defenders must remain compact, pressing the ball while covering passing lanes. Players should work together to force errors or win the ball back through disciplined pressing and positioning.

• Transition awareness – Once the defenders win the ball, they must immediately shift their focus to attack, aiming to score in the mini-goals. The previous attacking players should quickly follow up to press and prevent the defenders from having an easy transition.

Progression 1: Add a Time Limit

Introduce a time limit (e.g., 20 seconds) for the attacking team to complete 8 consecutive passes. This forces the attacking team to play quicker, increasing the intensity of the drill.

Focus: Improve the attacking team’s ability to maintain possession under time constraints while enhancing the defenders’ ability to press and force errors under pressure.

Progression 2: Increase the Number of Defenders

Add one more defender (making it 5 defenders versus 8 attackers) to increase the pressure on the attacking team and encourage quicker passing and movement. The attacking team will have to make decisions more quickly to break through the press.

Focus: Improve the attacking team’s ability to deal with a more intense defensive press, while developing the defenders’ ability to maintain a solid shape and quickly regain possession.