Session Summary
Session: RONDO - 4v2 + 2 Transitional
Duration: 15-20 mins Equipment: Balls, 6 cones
#Players: 8 Age Group: U12 - U18
Introduction
This transitional rondo is a progression from the 4v2+1 rondo. A second rectangle marked out next to the first, with a
target player at the far end, allows the entire rondo to switch to the second area either once a certain number of
passes have been completed or just whenever the players feel the option for a longer pass into the target player is
appropriate. The defenders in this exercise have to work really hard!
Setup
- 14 x 20 yard rectangle (size of area to change depending on age / ability of players) with a centre line marked (it's
basically two 14 x 10 rectangles next to each other)
- 6 players in one colour (white, below) and 2 defenders in another colour (pink, below)
- In one of the rectangles, we have a white player on each edge (4,11,7,10 below) and another in the middle (8), who
can roam freely in that rectangle.
- The two defenders (pink) start in the middle of the first rectangle.
- The final attacker (9) stays on the far edge of the second rectangle.
- Coach at the side with footballs.
Rules
- Team in possession tries to keep the ball between the 4 edge players and central player in their rectangle
(4,7,8,10,11 above). The target player (9) is not involved directly to start with, but needs to move to be an option for
the moment play is switched.
- If the team in possession complete a certain number of passes they score a point, the ball is passed to the target
player (9) and the entire rondo then switches to the second rectangle, where the game continues.
- In that scenario, everyone in the diagram above shifts over to the right hand rectangle, except number 4, who stays
on that edge as the new target player and we repeat this, switching back and forth every time the players complete
their target number of passes. See below for the transition broken down across 3 pictures.
- If the opposition win the ball back, they score a point, pass the ball to the coach, who fires it back in and play
restarts. Coach can decide to restart play from the other rectangle, which requires players to all transition over
again.
- If the ball goes out, coach sends a new one in immediately.
- Rotate defenders every few minutes.
Progressions / Variations
- Allow play to switch whenever the players think the pass into the target players is "on". Requires hard work from the
defenders and possibly suits having 3 defenders better.
- Reduce / increase the number of passes required before the switch depending on how easy / hard the players are
finding it.
- Have the defenders complete 3 passes between themselves once they've won the ball back.
- Complicated, but good for more advanced / older players, is the option to have the two defenders switch with the
central attacker and target player if they win the ball, so in the diagram above, they would switch with 10 and 9, who
would become the defenders and play moves to the other rectangle. This encourages the players to really think on
their toes.
Key Coaching Points (FA’s 4 Corners)
Technical Psychological
- "Passing empathy" - direction, type and weight - Communication (tell the player on the ball what
of pass. to do with it and when to transition)
- First touch - direction, cushioning, onto back - Thinking ahead and decision making - which
foot, the surface we use to control the ball (foot, player to pass to (decide BEFORE the ball has
chest, thigh etc.). arrived with you).
- Speed of play (play in one or two touch with - Transition (players need to think ahead to
pace) execute the transition effectively).
- Movement off the ball / finding a space to receive - Adapt to coach constantly sending a new ball in
a pass. (be "on your toes")
- Defensive shape, organisation and energy (one - Speed of thought - roles constantly changing as
presses ball, others cover and block passing we transition.
options) - Mental intensity - really concentrate and engage
in the practice.
Physical Social
- Speed of play - Working as a team
- Body shape when receiving a pass - Encouraging others and not being negative
- Strength to hold off opponents - Communication
- Work rate (physical and mental intensity). - Have fun!
The Transition in Pictures
