• Showing how this rondo totally relates to the game situation so your training is REALISTIC in its concept

development.
• The following 4 v 4 + 3 Rondo allows players to understand the principles of width, depth and length to
create passing angles and distances.
• Looking always to create diamond and triangle shapes in supporting each other to create numerical
superiority.
• Here we show a rondo based on building from the keeper and / or building from the center backs.
• Its actually a very simple way to teach a complex idea.
• You can focus on the attacking players with no defensive transitions with defending players; OR; add
transitions when possession changes.
• I prefer the latter way as it forces players to develop their transitional mentality and physicality.
• Transition from attacking to defending and defending to attacking must be rapid.
• Size of area depends on the ability and skill level of the players; the better they are the smaller the area.
Can be 15 x 15 up to 25 x 25 or even larger.
• Pivot player (6) in particular has to have great composure on and off the ball for this to be successful
• Can develop the rondo with (6) and (8) in the middle or (8) and (10) depending on how you set your
team up.
 3 11 11 2

10
4
9 4
8
K 6 a 9 K
6
5 10
5
8

2 11 3
7

The set up in an 11 v 11 rondo. 1-4-1-4-1- v -1-4-4-2.

 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
10 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

7 2 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

11 3 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

8 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Central player attracts pressure from opponents to create space outside. This is a big challenge for the central change / Close down the spaces /
player (6) particularly; so give every player the opportunity to be that player. Developing width, depth and Pressing / Close passing lanes /
length. defensive team shape
 READ THIS AND THEN COMPARE
1. LOOK / OBSERVE / THINK / DECIDE:
BEFORE Receiving the ball
2. FOOT PREPARATION / BODY
10 11 POSITION; BEFORE RECEIVING THE
BALL: Flat footed, off balance?
3. COMMUNICATION: Verbal and
visual: Before receiving the ball
7 5
4. SKILL FACTOR: DECISION MAKING:
9 How, when; where and why of the
5 6 technique; plus its success or not?
BEFORE RECEIVING THE BALL

11 4 5. CONTROL: If not a one touch pass

on, then the 1st touch control
6. TECHNIQUE: The pass, the run, the
7 dribble, the turn, the shot; the
8 cross etc.
7. TACTICAL MOBILITY: Movement off
the ball in possession, finding space
8. MENTAL TRANSITION: Possession
changes, tunes in immediately?
This model TOTALLY applies to this session, all the processes it covers must happen in this session for players Defends immediately / Attacks
to be successful. SPEED of play is vital for both THINKING and PLAYING. Space is tight, play is fast so Immediately.
players must be able to play 1 and / or two touches successfully.
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
10 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

2 Passing / control / moving to space / open
7 passing lanes / Communication
5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

11 keep possession / Passes to break lines /

3 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

8 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Short pass to draw defenders to the ball to then do a long pass behind and beyond them. So (6) plays with change / Close down the spaces /
closest player (9) to draw defenders to free the space for the deeper pass as shown. Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
11 team players when possession is lost to
10
the 4 inside players.

7 Technical Aspects: Offensive

2 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication

5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

3 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
11 progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

8 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Defenders press the wide players leaving the central players free. Red (10) is pressed by blue (7) who then change / Close down the spaces /
passes to Black (5). (5) Passes to the other side and the defender (11) presses red (8) as shown which opens Pressing / Close passing lanes /
up the central space for (6) receiving the pass back to (5) who now plays to (6) to play to (9). defensive shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
11 team players when possession is lost to
10 the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

Passing / control / moving to space / open

7 2 passing lanes / Communication

5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

11 3 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

8 7 Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Outside players always moving to create passing lanes and angles of support. Playing “around” the defenders; change / Close down the spaces /
preferably ONE touch. Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
team players when possession is lost to
10 11 the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

2
Passing / control / moving to space / open
7 passing lanes / Communication

5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive
3
keep possession / Passes to break lines /
3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside
11
Technical Aspects: Defensive
8 7 Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

change / Close down the spaces /
Defenders must work hard and press as fast as possible to force opponents into errors.
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
10 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Mental Transitions:
Players often struggle with the mental
2 transitions from defending to attacking
6 9
5 as possession changes; but
7
11 3 ESPECIALLY when the change is from
ATTACKING TO DEFENDING.

So the coach must emphasize the

importance of rapid physical transition
and fast movement as well as mental
8 7
transition (sprints inside to out and
outside to in).

This maintains a high tempo on transition

as it SHOULD be in a game situation.
We play as we train.
Under pressure (6) Makes a bad pass and the defender intercept the ball. When the 4 inside defending players
Players need that INTRINSIC desire to
win the ball they switch with the outside 4 players to become offensive players..
make this happen for themselves
though.
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

7 2 transition moment with the outside 4
team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Mental and Physical Transition:

10 11 This equates to immediate pressing from

attacking mode to defensive mode to
5 6 9 win the ball back as soon as possible.

7 Also equates to the defending team; now

8 the attacking team; working hard to
KEEP possession at the same time.

Rotate players positions so all get the

chance to be neutral players.
3
11

Here we show the switch. Speed of thought is vital now. Players must change from winning or losing the ball
with a switch in mentality and physicality immediately; both in mind and deed.
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
10 9 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

7 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
8 6 11 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

11 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

5 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Have the outside players now rotate so the inside player has to have even more of a good peripheral vision. change / Close down the spaces /
Now attacking players enter the defending area from different points. Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
6 10
team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

7 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
5 5
Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

11 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
9
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

4 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Keep adding to the session with different ideas. This would happen in a game where players rotate positions. change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive shape
 Possession Game:

The three neutral players

maintain possession with the
team on the outside.

With the inside 4 team players

10 11
we have a transition moment
with the outside 4 team
7 players when possession is
5
lost to the 4 inside players.
5 9
6 View this in action on the
following video
11 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=vjHC36vAdDo
8 7

The Poles represent defenders so if the central player hits a pole with a pass the two teams of 4 immediate
switch (as it is the same as giving possession away). Now players move into open passing lanes based on
the pole's as well as the defenders. A Much bigger challenge to keep the ball now.
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
3 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

7 2 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

11 3 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

2 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Focusing on red right and left fullbacks and red right and left strikers and the central theme of black (5), (6) and (9). change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
3 10 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

10 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

2 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Allowing the central midfield of black (6), red (8) and (10) to connect and receive from fullbacks red (2) and (3) to get the change / Close down the spaces /
ball to (9). Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
4 10 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5
Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
k 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

10 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

5 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Now the keeper is included connecting with the red center backs (4) and (5). change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
4 10 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

Passing / control / moving to space / open

8 5 passing lanes / Communication
K 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

10 4 keep possession / Passes to break lines /

3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

5 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Central player attracts pressure from opponents with the first pass and so creates space outside by defenders change / Close down the spaces /
pressing (6). This is a big challenge for the central player (6) particularly; so give every player the opportunity Pressing / Close passing lanes /
to be that player. defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
10 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5
Passing / control / moving to space / open
passing lanes / Communication
5 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

keep possession / Passes to break lines /

10 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

8 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Defenders press the wide players leaving the central players free. change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
4 10 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open

passing lanes / Communication
k 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

10 keep possession / Passes to break lines /

4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

5 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Building from the back with (K) and red center backs (4) and (5). Building from the middle with red (6), (8) and (10). change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
4 10 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

5 Passing / control / moving to space / open

8 passing lanes / Communication
k 9
6 Tactical Aspects: Offensive

10 keep possession / Passes to break lines /

4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

5 8
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Creating two 4 v 2 situations and dividing the field up, red pivot (6) being the catalyst and connecting player. change / Close down the spaces /
Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
3 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open
10 passing lanes / Communication
6 9
Tactical Aspects: Offensive
8
keep possession / Passes to break lines /
10 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

2 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Now we have 2 players centrally against 4 defenders. You can vary the set up also depending on the number of players change / Close down the spaces /
you have so everyone is involved. The main session requires 11 players but sometimes you have more and Pressing / Close passing lanes /
sometimes fewer numbers so you must be able to adjust as necessary. defensive team shape
 Possession Game:
The three neutral players maintain
possession with the team on the
outside.

With the inside 4 team players we have a

transition moment with the outside 4
3 11 team players when possession is lost to
the 4 inside players.

Technical Aspects: Offensive

8 5 Passing / control / moving to space / open
8 passing lanes / Communication
5 10
Tactical Aspects: Offensive
6
keep possession / Passes to break lines /
10 4 3rd man runs / up, back, through /
progression outside to inside

Technical Aspects: Defensive

2 7
Body shape / intercept or tackle /
Communication / Press / support / cover

Tactical aspects: Defensive

Transition attack to defense / Mental

Now we have 2 players centrally against 4 defenders. One step back in the build up from the last slide now starting the change / Close down the spaces /
rondo at the center back not in central midfield. Pressing / Close passing lanes /
defensive team shape