Mastering Possession: The Ultimate Rondo Passing Drill

Overview

The Rondo is a classic possession-based drill used by top clubs worldwide to develop players' ability to keep the ball under pressure. This drill is highly effective for improving passing accuracy, first touch, vision, and intelligent movement. It's a versatile exercise that can be used as a warm-up, a technical practice, or as part of a larger session focused on ball retention.

Setup

• Equipment: A set of cones to mark the area, a supply of footballs, and bibs to differentiate the two defenders.
• Pitch Setup: Create a circular or square area approximately 10-12 meters in diameter. For younger players, you can start with a larger area and reduce it as they become more proficient.
• Player Positions: 5 players (attackers) form a circle around the area. 2 players (defenders) start inside the circle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The attacking players on the outside aim to keep possession of the ball by passing it to one another.
2. The two defenders in the middle work together to press the attackers and win the ball back.
3. If a defender wins the ball or an attacker makes a mistake (e.g., a bad pass or poor control), the attacker who lost possession swaps places with the defender.
4. The drill should be continuous, with the coach feeding in a new ball quickly if one goes out of play.
5. Encourage players to use one or two touches to keep the game flowing at a high tempo.

Key Coaching Points

• Head Up & Scan: Players should constantly be aware of their surroundings, identifying passing options before they receive the ball.
• Quality of Pass: Emphasize crisp, firm passes to the correct foot of the receiver, making it easier for them to control.
• Movement & Support: Attackers should not stand still. Encourage them to move to create passing angles and support the player on the ball.
• Communication: Players should communicate verbally and non-verbally to coordinate their movements and passes.
• Defensive Principles: The two defenders should work as a unit, pressing together and cutting off passing lanes.

Common Mistakes

• Static Players: Attackers remaining stationary, making it easy for defenders to predict passes.
• Forcing Passes: Passing to a teammate who is marked, instead of playing a safer, smarter pass.
• Poor First Touch: A heavy first touch can give defenders the opportunity to win the ball.
• Individual Defending: Defenders not working in tandem, allowing attackers to easily split them.

Variations & Progressions

• Limit Touches: Start with unlimited touches, then progress to 2-touch, and finally 1-touch to increase the difficulty and speed of play.
• Add a Third Defender: Increase the defensive pressure by adding a third player in the middle, creating a 5v3 situation.
• Zone Transition: Set up two adjacent Rondo grids. When the attackers complete a set number of passes (e.g., 10), they can switch the play to the other grid. This encourages longer passing and awareness of space.

Age Adaptations

• Under 8/10: Use a larger area (15m x 15m) and start with a 6v1 or 7v1 to give the attackers a higher chance of success. Focus on the basic principles of passing and receiving.
• Under 12/14: Introduce the 5v2 and begin to focus on the speed of play and the quality of the first touch. Start to introduce the concept of limited touches.
• Under 16/Open Age: Challenge players with a smaller area, 1-touch passing, and more complex progressions. The intensity and decision-making should be at a high level.