Tiki Taka Drills

Last Updated on: 30th May 2025, 03:59 pm

Tiki Taka Drills

 

Tiki Taka Football Training Drills

 

For the 2025 season, we added a Tiki Taka Ring to our range of training equipment. It’s perfect for small-sided possession drills and would be a great training tool for all ages. But what is Tiki Taka? Well, it’s a style of football that focuses on short, quick passes, constant movement, and ball retention. It requires spatial awareness, good attention, and fast decision-making. Many professional teams employ this style of play, but it can easily be introduced at all ages.

In this guide to Tiki Taka, we’ll explain what it is, how you can use it, and give example training drills you can incorporate into your sessions.

What is Tiki Taka?

Tiki Taka originated in Spain and was popularised by FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. It’s a style that’s built around:

• Short, quick passes
• Constant movement off the ball
• Possession and control
• One- or two-touch passing

The goal is to wear down your opponents by moving the ball quickly and finding gaps. It can be a great way to get your players thinking about a different style of play and focus on teamwork.

 

Core Principles

Tiki Taka is all about:

1. Short passes – Players should use short, precise passes and focus on maintaining possession. You want to tire out your opponent.
2. Constant movement – Off-the-ball movement is important. Players should always create space and passing options.
3. Positional play – Maintaining proper positioning enables players to transition easily between attack and defence.
4. High pressing – Players need to press to regain the ball if possession is lost. This minimises their opponent’s chance of counter-attack.

If you want to incorporate Tiki Taka into your training, ensure your training drills are designed to focus on these points.

 

What Is a Tiki Taka Ring?

A Tiki Taka Ring is a circular, collapsible training ring that creates a compact passing zone. It encourages players to pass quickly, control the ball under pressure, and maintain possession in tight spaces. It’s used by placing the ring on the ground to define an area for Rondo-style drills.

Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, the ring is easy to set up on any surface. Its portable design folds neatly for transport and storage.

 

Why Your Team Needs One

1. Boost Passing Accuracy & Speed – The confined area forces players to focus on precise passing and quick ball movement.
2. Improve Player Communication – With little space and time to work with, players learn to call early, make decisions quickly, and trust their teammates’ movement.
3. Develop Game Intelligence – The Tiki Taka Ring simulates match-like pressure in a safe environment, helping players build awareness and composure.
4. Suits All Ages & Abilities – Whether you’re coaching U10s, U18s, or a Sunday league squad, the Tiki Taka Ring adapts to the needs of your team. Just adjust the number of players or rules to match their development level.

 

Tiki Taka Training Drills

A Tiki Taka ring is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used in many ways during training. It’s traditionally used for passing drills, but we do like the alternative use here.

Last Player Standing

 

 

Equipment: 1 football per player, Tiki Taka ring, training bib

Set-Up: Place your Tiki Taka ring on the ground. One player wears a bib and acts as a defender. The other players start inside the ring with a ball each.

Instructions:

1. Attackers dribble around the circle, keeping the ball close and under control.
2. The defender tries to win a ball from any attacker.
3. If a ball is won, the defender passes it outside the circle.
4. The attacker who lost their ball leaves the circle and performs a simple skill.
5. The defender continues until only one attacker remains. The last player standing becomes the defender for the next round.

Coaching Points:

• Attackers should keep the ball close and under control at all times.
• Encourage the use of turns, shielding, and changes of direction to protect the ball.
• Defenders should stay focused and persistent. Pick a player and keep chasing until you win the ball.
• Encourage players to check their surroundings constantly.

Progression:

• Add a second defender to increase the challenge.
• When an attacker loses their ball, they join the defender’s team and help win the other balls.

 

Circle Rondo

 

 

Equipment: Tiki Taka ring, 1 football, football bibs.

Set-Up: Place your Tiki Taka ring on the ground. Give two players bibs and have them stand in the ring. They act as defenders. The other players stand around the ring.

Instructions:

1. The outside players pass the ball to each other, trying to keep possession.
2. The defenders move around the middle, working together to block passes and win the ball.
3. If a defender intercepts a pass, or an outside player makes a bad pass or poor touch, the player who made the mistake swaps with one of the defenders.
4. Play continues quickly, with new defenders rotating in whenever possession is lost.

Coaching Points:

• Encourage sharp, accurate passing and quick decision-making.
• Players should always be on their toes and ready to receive the ball.
• Outside players should scan the circle before receiving to know where the defenders are.
• Defenders should work together to cut off passing lanes and apply pressure.
• Keep the game flowing — quick transitions help keep focus high.

Progression:

• Limit outside players to one touch to speed up play and improve technical skill.

 

Inside Out Rondo

 

 

Equipment: Tiki-Taka Ring, 1 football, football bibs

Set-Up: Place the Tiki Taka ring on the ground. Give two players bibs and have them stand in the centre as defenders. Have 1 player stand in the centre as an attacker. The other attackers stand around the circle. An outside player starts with the ball.

Instructions:

1. The outside players pass the ball to each other, aiming to keep possession.
2. The attacker inside the ring helps keep possession by offering central support.
3. The two defenders work together to intercept passes or force mistakes.
4. If a defender wins the ball or an outside player makes an error, they swap with the player who lost possession.
5. Rotate the central attacker regularly so multiple players get turns in the middle role.

Coaching Points:

• The central attacker should constantly move and show for the ball — be an option between the defenders.
• Outside players should pass quickly, using angles and timing to break the pressure.
• Defenders must communicate and work together to close passing lanes.
• All players should scan the pitch before receiving and make fast decisions.

Progression:

• Limit outside players to 2-touch or 1-touch.
• Add a second attacker inside the ring to create 4v2.
• Shrink the ring slightly to increase pressure and improve control.

 

 

Rotation Rondo

 

 

Equipment: Tiki-Taka Ring, 1 football, football bibs

Set-Up: Set up the Tiki Taka Ring. Give 2 players bibs and have them stand in the ring as defenders. Have two players stand in the ring as attackers. The remaining attackers stand around the ring. An outside player starts with the ball.

Instructions:

1. The outside players pass the ball to the attackers inside the ring.
2. The attackers combine to keep possession under pressure from the two defenders
3. After each successful pass (between attackers or to/from the outside), the player who made the pass rotates out with an outside player.
4. The next outside player steps into the ring immediately, keeping the number of attackers at 2.
5. If the defenders win the ball or force a mistake, they swap with the players involved in the turnover.

Coaching Points:

• Quick scanning and movement are essential to maintain rhythm and rotation.
• Attackers must use clever positioning to receive under pressure and create space.
• Outside players need to be alert and ready to rotate in at any moment.
• Defenders should work in pairs to close angles and press intelligently.
• Encourage good tempo and clean execution of passes.

Progression:

• Limit inside attackers to 2 touches.
• Add a rule: both inside attackers must touch the ball before passing out.
• Add a passive third defender to increase pressure and decision-making.

 

 

3v3 Ring Game

 

 

Equipment: Tiki-Taka Ring, 1 football, football bibs

Set-Up: Set up the Tiki Taka ring. Divide players into groups of 6. There are 3 attackers and 3 defenders. All players start in the ring. An attacker starts with the ball.

Instructions:

1. Teams play 3v3 inside the ring, trying to keep possession under pressure.
2. The team in possession must use short passes, movement, and quick decisions to avoid losing the ball.
3. The opposing team presses and looks to win the ball cleanly.
4. If the ball goes out of the ring or is intercepted, possession changes immediately.
5. Play continuous games of 60–90 seconds, then rotate teams or players.

Coaching Points:

• Emphasise quick passing, close control, and movement off the ball.
• Players should constantly scan and adjust their positioning to support.
• Use body shape to receive and protect the ball effectively.
• The defending team should press aggressively but work as a unit.
• Encourage communication — players should be talking constantly.

Progression:

• Limit to 2-touch or 1-touch for more advanced players.
• Add a rule that all 3 players must touch the ball before a goal pass.
• Award points for a set number of consecutive passes (e.g. 5 = 1 point).

 

Training Equipment

The Tiki Taka Ring is useful for technical development. Whether you’re working with young beginners or experienced players, it can bring structure, intensity, and fun to your training sessions. It’s the perfect way to build a team that plays confidently, thinks fast, and moves the ball like the pros. Take your training to the next level and grab one for yourself.

 

 

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Tags: football coaching, football training equipment, football training. football training drills, Training