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THEFOOTBALLCOACH.

NET

USING THE
RONDO
EFFECTIVELY
learn from Spanish Footballs Secrets
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# Online Publishing 2019


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Online republication prohibited, all rights received for content, session plan,
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!2
Using the Rondo Effectively
Using the Rondo Effectively
Principles of The Rondo
Learn from the Spanish, the most used practice to develop players

Develop Technique:
The consistent repetition under Benefits Of The Rondo
varied playing conditions makes
the rondo a very effective method
to develop receiving and retaining
as well as passing technique
under varied and manageable
pressure

Develop Decision
Makers:
Rondo practices can be extremely
effective for developing quick and
confident decision makers, this is
due to the consistent cognitive
engagement a rondo demands
players are challenged to make
decisions in relation to opponents
and spaces consistently.

Patterns Of Play
As this Ebook will demonstrate the
Rondo does not need to be a 4v2
box, the rondo can be used to Movement Off the ball Individuality
develop patterns of play such as Rondo’s can also be an effective Rondo’s lay opportunity
wide player and full back passing tool to develop movement off for players to be creative
patterns. the ball, the consistent in their own passing and
movement of the ball challenges receiving. This can allow
Value Possession the outside players to create players to build on ideas
Young players will value possession angles between the opposition and have opportunity to
due to the physical demands of playing lines and try to find repeat ideas within the
being out of possession in a rondo, forward passes.
rondo

this is a great way at ensuring these


traits are built in to your players

Develop Physical Team-Bonding Passing Detail


Rondo’s are a player favorite Rondo’s are effectively
Conditioning and can be high intensity but passing circles, so there is
Being inside the rondo can be a very also a highly enjoyable activity, no surprise that with the use
taxing physical output, this can be players can create rules to of rondos players passing
used for strength days where reward nut-megs or split passes develops especially over
change of direction is extremely and this can drive a highly short distances not only the
important towards player intense and completive start to accuracy but the weight
development
any session
and timing of the pass

Using the Rondo Effectively


The Value of Breaking Lines
Learn from the Spanish, the most used practice to develop players

Passing
example 1 Creating Better Passes
Pass example 1 shows
a passing that moves
the point of attack but
doesn’t break any
passing lines, although
this maybe the correct
pass try to reward
players who attempt to
play through lines and
look to break the
opponents defensive
lines

Passing
Example 2 3
Passing example 2
shows the attacking 2
player breaking the first
attacking line, this pass
might not allow the
receiving player to turn
and play forward but
does allow him to 1
receive between the
opponents front line
and this pass is more
valuable because of the
danger it posses, once Passing Example 3
a player receive Passing example 3 demonstrates a pass that breaks multiple
between the lines they defensive lines, this means the attacking players has played through
are able to combine at least two lines, this pass is the most dangerous pass for the
with other attacking defensive team, simply because it allows the opponent to play inside
players and create over their defensive shape, it also means the overload the Reds hav e will
loads agains the be deeper in to the defensive shape of the blues. Reds should be
opponent, who has praised for the effort when they try to break multiple lines, the more
players who can not lines the offensive team can break, the closer to the opponents Goal
effect the game the reds are able to attack
Using the Rondo Effectively
5 v 3 Boxed Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines

Setup:
The session is simply set up in a 15
x 15 yard space, the players set up
with a 4 on the outside, one player
pre side of the square, and then a
1v3 in the middle of the area, reds
look to keep possession away from
the blues, if blues win the ball then
reds transition in to pressure the
opponent

Coaching Detail:
- Ensure the players keep the
intensity on the inside and
outside to make the practice
realistic and competitive

- Encourage players to move the


ball quickly

- Encourage the tackling of outside


players

Individual Detail:
- Can players move the ball away
from the opponent when there is
not the opportunity to play
between the lines

- Can individuals play first time


when under pressure from the
opponent

- Can the players out of possession


make play predictable and keep
the ball outside

Progression:
- Narrow Space to make passing
more difficult

- Limit outside players touches

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


8 15 x 15 0 10 90 Sec 30sec 20 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
Traditional 6 v 2 Rondo
The most traditional of Rondo’s 6 v 2 develops players to find the pass
between the opponents lines

Setup:
- The traditional 6 v 2 rondo takes
place over a 20 yard diameter circle
with quite simply the 6 players on
the outside and the 2 on the middle,
the ball is moved quickly around the
outside of the practice, the inside
players are challenged to apply
pressure and try to win the ball with
out the opponent playing between
them. The players in possession are
challenged to play passes between
the opponent lines.

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- Can players value possession and


try to prevent the blue team
getting touches on the ball

Coaching Detail:
- Can players disguise passes and
find split passes between the
opposition lines

- Can the blue’s work together to


keep play outside

- Weight of pass is key when to


lower the weight and invite
pressure, when to kill the
pressure with a strong pass

Progression:
- Narrow space

- Limit Touches

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
Modified 6 v 2 to 7 v 3
This is a slightly manipulated version of the traditional 6v2

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using
Attacking
the Rondo Effectively
6 v 6 Attacking Combinations
6 v 6 attacking combinations developing central combinations

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using
Attacking
the Rondo Effectively
5 v 3 Long Passing Practice
A rondo to develop the longer passes between opposition lines

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 v 6 + 2 Long Pass Rondo
Develop combination play when overloaded

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
5 v 5 +2 Ball Transfer Rondo
Develop combination play in a compact area

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 v 4 + 1 Boxed Rondo
Longer distance running for players within a 9 player practice

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
8 v 8 Positional Sense Rondo
16 Player practice to understand positional and tactical needs

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
6 v 2 Ball Transfer Rondo
Traditional 6v2 with transitional movements from one half to the other.

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 v 4 + 2 Playing Through Rondo
4 v 4 + 2 to develop forward passes between opposition lines

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
10 v 2 - One Touch Chaos
An extremely compact area to to develop quick one touch passing
under limited physical work

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
8 v 8+ 1 Positional Combinations
17 player practice to develop tactical understanding, using the central
and wide players

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using
Attacking
the Rondo Effectively
Rondo to The Finish Phase
An opportunity to develop finishing practices under low physical load

Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload

Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass

- In possession the greens need to


look to play through the
opponents attacking line, this will
demonstrate composure under
opponent movement

Individual Detail:
- Can the players in the attacking
Half move to receive between the
lines

- Out of possession can the first


play give everything to stop the
forward pass

Progression:
- 3v3 in the attacking half

- Narrow pitch by 10 yards

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


11 40x40 4 6 240 Sec 60sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 v 4 +1 Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines

Setup:
The session is simply set up in a 20
x 20 yard space, the players set up
with a 4 on the outside, one player
pre side of the square, and then a
4v1 in the middle of the area, reds
look to keep possession away from
the blues, if blues win the ball then
reds transition in to be the
defenders, whilst the blues make
their way to the outside
Coaching Detail:
- Ensure the players keep the
intensity on the inside and
outside to make the practice
realistic and competitive

- Encourage players to move the


ball quickly

- Recognize The transitional


movement and the moment to
perform it

Individual Detail:
- Can players move the ball away
from the opponent when there is
not the opportunity to play
between the lines

- Can individuals play first time


when under pressure from the
opponent

- Can the players out of possession


make play predictable and keep
the ball outside

Progression:
- Narrow Space to make passing
more difficult

- Limit outside players touches

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


9 15 x 15 0 10 90 Sec 30sec 20 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 Man Rondo
A Rondo for low physical exposure and

Setup:
This an easy set-up rondo, 3 on the
outside of a square or triangle with 1
central man, the ball is then moved
quickly until the central player
touches the ball, once the ball is
touched the players rotate, this
creates a high intensity practice.

Coaching Detail:
- Ensure the passes are firm to
prevent the opponent touching
the ball

- Ensure passes are punched


through the middle of the ball to
prevent the ball bouncing during
the passing role

- Central player challenged to work


off two paces to prevent high
movement

Individual Detail:
- Can players move the ball away
from the opponent when there is
not the opportunity to play
between the lines

- Can individuals play first time


when under pressure from the
opponent

- Can the players out of possession


make play predictable and keep
the ball outside

Progression:
- Use a triangle instead of a square
space

- Limit outside players touches

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


4 8x8 0 10 90 Sec 30sec 20 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
4 v 4 +1 Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines

Setup:
The template for this is very simple a
40x20 area the two halves should
20x18 allowing for a 4 yard central
area. The idea of the practice is to
play through a team using full backs
in wide areas and wide players
inside. Once the ball is transferred
from one half to the other the
opposite wide players go to the
outside and the other wide players
go inside

Coaching Detail:
- Ensure the players keep the
intensity on the inside and
outside to make the practice
realistic and competitive

- Encourage players to move the


ball quickly

- Recognize The transitional


movement and the moment to
perform it

Individual Detail:
- Can the players out of possession
make play predictable and keep
the ball outside

- Can we play directly through the


opposition in to the inside wide
players

- Can the ball be moved with 1


touch.

Progression:
- Allow outside players to stay
inside

- Allow central play to leave zone

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


12 40 x 20 0 10 180 Sec 60sec 40 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively
11v 3 Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines

Setup:
This rondo takes place in an
extremely compact area, usually a
15x20 the play must be very quick
and blues can transfer from one side
to the other, but there must be at
least 1 blue on each side of the
possession practice

Coaching Detail:
- Ensure that weight of pass is
effective

- Encourage players to move the


ball quickly

- Recognize the importance of 1


touch passing

Individual Detail:
- Can the players out of possession
make play predictable and keep
the ball outside

- Can we play directly through the


opposition in to the inside wide
players

- Can the ball be moved with 1


touch.

Progression:
- Allow outside players to stay
inside

- Allow central play to leave zone

Players Space Goals Blocks Work Rest Total


14 15 x 20 0 10 150 Sec 30sec 30 Mins
Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’
A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

The Following sessions are designed and used by Swansea


City AFC, these sessions come specifically from their time in
The Barclays Premier League
Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’
A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

Rondos

U12-13 Specific;

Central to the Club philosophy is the notion of maintaining


possession this can only be achieved through players repetitive
exposure to playing with restricted time and space.

• The development of quick thinking players who can move the


ball quickly under limited and full pressure.

• Players exposed to making quick decisions and in turn robust


passing and receiving skills
Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

3v1 Inside Square

This 3v1 rondo can be done with


any 3 combining players but the
midfield 3 are shown.

The objective is to keep the


triangle shape through out by
passing and reacting to passes.

Here the number 4 starts with the


ball and passes to the number 8.
as the ball is travelling the
number 10 runs to the free cone
to maintain the triangle overload
shape.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

3v1 Rondo Inside Square


This 3v1 is done inside the square
and is usually harder for the players
because they don’t have the cones to
guide them how to keep the triangle
shape.

The aim is to keep the triangle


overload shape at all time despite
being free to move around the area.

4 starts with the ball and passes to 8,


as 8 passes to 10 our number 4
needs to move 2/3 yards to maintain
the shape & open the passing line

The middle player works for 30secs


before changing with teammate

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

4v2 Playing out from the back

The players used in this 4v2 can


work on playing out from the back
and understanding how to work with
each other. Players used GK, 2CB &
DM

You can set the defenders up to


press as they would in a game and
try to prevent the forward pass to the
No 4.

1 passes to 5 but 5 is closed down


so plays back to 1, who then plays
the 3rd line/Split pass to the No 4
who recycles possession to the No 6
who moved accordingly.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

4v2 Midfield Combinations


If you think back to the Rondos in
match form slide, this rondo could
be our midfield 3 with our CF in the
centre of the pitch

4 starts with the ball and plays a


2nd line pass to 8, who plays it back
and opens up the space between the
defenders allowing 4 to play a 3rd
line pass to 9. our No 9 plays to 10
and the rest of the players move
accordingly.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

5v3 Playing out from the back

Another example of how to use rondos


to help players understand how to play
out from the back and switch play to
the other side. This time there are 3
defenders and we have a player in the
area too. Players used are CB, 2 FB’s,
DM & CM.

5 starts with the ball and plays a 2nd


line pass to 3 who plays a 3rd line pass
to 4 who plays first time to 5 who has
moved in reaction to the pass. 5 plays
to 2 and we play to the furthest play
and recycle possession.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

5v3 Switching Play


Example of how to use a rondo to
work on switch of play. This
example is showing defenders but
we could set this up with wingers &
CF on the outside.

Area is split into two halves with the


aim being to make 5+ passes in
one side before switching the ball

3 starts with the ball and passes to


4 who drops between the
defenders to play a first time pass
to 8 who plays back to 3. 3 passes
to 5 who plays first time pass to 4
who switches play to other side.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

Midfield 3 Switch/Forward Play


This rondo works with our
midfielders on two different
aspects. We have our midfield 3 in
the middle with 2 sets of
neutrals/jokers.

Coach asks red team to play for


the switch of play to the blue
jokers & the other team to try and
play forward to the green Jokers.

We have 5v3 in possession &


players inside can rotate/move
freely but are encouraged to
maintain shape/balance. When
ball is lost team must stop the
other team from playing forward.

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

6v3 Playing through midfield

A more attacking set up which


can easily be moved on to
become a combination/finishing
practice on the field.

We have our midfield 3, wingers


& centre forward.

The aim is to combine with


teammates to play through the
midfield and play to the centre
forward. The example shown
could also be a switch of play to
attack

Swansea City AFC Academy


Using the Rondo Effectively

Swansea City
‘Possession Rondo’s’

A Small Group of Rondo Sessions Used By Swansea City AFC

6v3 Playing out from the back

Playing out from the back under high


pressure and using 3 defenders
which could represent a front 3 if
you play against teams using a 1-4-
3-3 formation.

We are using our GK, back 4 and


our DM.

1 starts with the ball and the


movement of 5 creates space to
play to 3 and then we can play out
and retain possession

Swansea City AFC Academy

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