Rondos are a key soccer training tool that enhance quick decision-making, ball control, and passing accuracy. They simulate game-like pressure, requiring players to think and act fast in tight spaces, improving their first touch and spatial awareness.
Rondos also promote teamwork and communication, as players must work together to maintain possession. Defensively, they teach pressing and discipline, helping players understand how to win the ball back. Adaptable for all skill levels, rondos can be adjusted in difficulty, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced players.
This drill is fast-paced and competitive, keeping players engaged and motivated.
Suggested Age Groups
- U10 to U12: Focus on basic passing, receiving, and understanding pressure in small-sided situations.
- U13 and up: Emphasize quick decision-making, anticipation, and advanced ball control under pressure.
Organization
- Setup: Create a small grid, approximately 10×10 yards, using cones. Adjust the size depending on the skill level of the players—smaller grids increase difficulty by requiring quicker passes and better control.
- Players: 5 players (attackers) form a circle around the grid’s perimeter, and 2 players (defenders) are inside the grid.
- Time: Each round lasts 2-3 minutes. Rotate players after each round so everyone has a turn in both attacking and defending roles.
How to Play
- The 5 attackers start with the ball, attempting to maintain possession by passing it around the outside of the grid.
- The 2 defenders work together to intercept the ball or force a mistake from the attackers.
- The attackers are encouraged to use one or two touches to keep the ball moving quickly.
- If a defender wins the ball or the ball is played out of the grid, the player responsible for losing possession swaps roles with the defender who won the ball or forced the mistake.
- The drill continues, with attackers striving to complete as many passes as possible without losing possession.
Why to Play
- Quick Decision-Making: Players must think quickly and make smart passing decisions to maintain possession.
- Ball Control Under Pressure: This drill simulates game-like pressure where players must control the ball with limited space and time.
- Teamwork and Communication: Attackers need to work together, communicate effectively, and use space intelligently to avoid the defenders.
- Defensive Skills: The defenders practice cutting off passing lanes, applying pressure, and working as a unit to win the ball back.
Coaching Points
- Keep the Ball Moving: Encourage quick, accurate passes to keep the defenders chasing and to maintain possession.
- Body Positioning: Attackers should receive the ball with an open body stance, allowing them to see the field and make a quick pass.
- First Touch: Emphasize a good first touch that prepares the ball for the next action, whether it’s a pass or dribble.
- Communication: Attackers should constantly talk to each other, offering support and suggesting passing options.
- Anticipation: Defenders should anticipate where the ball might go and move to cut off passing lanes or apply pressure immediately.
Further Progressions / Variations
- One-Touch Passing: Increase the difficulty by limiting attackers to one-touch passing. This will require faster decision-making and better anticipation.
- Add a Third Defender: Introduce a third defender to make the drill more challenging for the attackers and simulate even more pressure.
- Change Grid Size: Reduce the size of the grid to make passing and receiving more difficult, or increase the size to give players more time on the ball.
- Different Numbers (4v2, 6v3): Adjust the number of players on the outside and inside to vary the challenge. For example, a 4v2 increases the difficulty for attackers, while a 6v3 emphasizes quicker passing and more defensive coordination.
- Scoring System: Add a competitive element by counting the number of consecutive passes completed by the attackers or the number of successful interceptions by the defenders. This encourages focus and intensity.
Equipment Needed
- 4 Cones: To mark the corners of the grid.
- 1 Ball: One ball is sufficient, but have extras ready in case the ball goes out of play.
- Training Bibs: To differentiate defenders from attackers, especially when rotating players in and out.
This is a common passing drill in soccer practice due to its versatility and effectiveness in improving technical skills, tactical awareness, and teamwork. It can be adapted to various skill levels, making it a valuable tool for coaches at all levels.
