Description:

Two groups of players in a diamond shape overlapping each other. The ball is passed around the diamond. Once players are comfortable, have them follow their pass.

Coaching Points:

• Body shape to play the next pass.

• Look to avoid the other diamond - ball and players.

• On receiving the ball, check away and then back (simulate defender).

• Pass to back foot.

Progression:

Set touch limit, make a competition (pass count, time). Instead of following pass, have players swap with player that passed to them.

PURPOSE OF SESSION:

Although it is very difficult to attribute the invention of the rondo to any one coach, it is Laureano Ruiz, former Barcelona coach, who’s name appears most often next to it. In the docu-movie, Take the Ball, Pass the Ball, Ruiz describes this 4v2 as the original rondo.

INITIAL SET-UP:​

• Grid size as appropriate to players’ age and ability. • Four possession players, one of each side of the grid. • Possession players can, and are encouraged to, move along their line. • Two defenders who attempt to regain the ball.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Possession players keep the ball away from defender for as long as possible, or for a target number of passes.

COACHING POINTS:

1.   Be able to play in a one and two touch rhythm.

2.   Always play as if the next pass is coming to you.

3.   Anticipate play and get your feet set in the direction of your next pass.

Organisation:

Area: 2 x 15 x 15 metres areas with a 5-metre middle area.

The teams start 4v0 in the two end areas with four Blue players positioned on the corners of the middle area.

Blue player passes the ball into Red team and then follows the pass with one more Blue Player to create a 4v2 situation.

Red team must establish possession before transferring the ball (3-5 passes depending on ability).

When the ball is transferred, the defenders leave the area while the other two Blue Players follow the ball into the Black team to create another 4v2 situation.

This process continues until possession is lost in the area or in the transfer.

If a defender wins the ball, they must transfer to the other area while the four players that were in possession must now quickly transition to defend.

Football Actions:

Create space (by individual & team mobility)

Weight, accuracy and height of pass

Body shape/receive on back foot /first touch 

Angles and distance of support

Width and Depth – Penetrating pass 

Communication between Players

Awareness of space – Defenders in 4v2 and in transfer of possession 

Transition to Defend – Can we win ball back as quickly as possible?

Notes:

Have supply of footballs outside the area.

Progression: Have two defenders in the middle area to attempt to screen/cut out the transfer of possession.