SCALONI, RONDO 5X3 AND TRANSITION 5X4

📝 1. Description of the exercise

Exercise aimed at working on offensive numerical superiority (4v3 and 5v4) in small spaces, with emphasis on the defense-attack transition. It allows players to develop the ability to steal, reorganize immediately and take advantage of the opponent's defensive mismatch. Ideal to encourage quick decision making, tactical cohesion and aggressiveness after recovery.

🧩 2. Organization and Development

• Space: two major zones (e.g., 20×20 m) separated by an intermediate strip (e.g., 10×20 m).

• Players:

  • In each main zone: 4 attackers vs. 3 defenders.

  • In the middle section: 2 support players (one from each team per zone).

  • In the end zone: line of 4 defenders waiting at the front of the area.

• Development:

  • A 4v3 is played simultaneously in each zone.

  • If the 3 defenders steal the ball, they automatically connect with the 2 teammates on the middle stripe and move in quick transition towards the goal, facing the 4 stationary defenders.

  • The team that loses the ball must reorganize to defend the transition (5v4).

🎯 4. Tips or main aspects

• 🔄 Quickness in transition: key to exploit superiority before the opponent reorganizes.

• 💬 Constant communication between defenders and fringe players to coordinate entry into play.

• 📏 Rational occupation of space in transition: width, depth and clear passing lines.

• ⚡ Immediate reaction after loss/theft: focus on mental and physical transition.

• 🎯 In 5v4, look for effective finishing after few touches, simulating real counterattack.

🔄 3. Variants

• Change the zone configuration (wider or deeper).

• Add time limitation to end in transition.

• Allow only a certain number of touches in 4v3.

• Include offensive wildcards to increase complexity.

• Rotate players on the fringes with those in the main zones to maintain high intensity.