The term ‘Rondo’ refers to a whole range of passing/possession games – they first became widely known as an important component of FC Barcelona’s training methodology and philosophy.  The ‘Rondo’ is be used as a possession based skill practice that allows players to develop decision-making and technical execution abilities in high pressure game related scenarios.

Many aspects of ‘the game’ can be replicated within the Rondo – angles of support, moment + timing of support, communication, one-touch play, decision-making and technical execution in various pressured scenarios……the list goes on!

Basically, the Rondo is a very economical training activity that can be modified in a multitude of ways to keep it fresh and enjoyable for your players!

The following ‘Rondo’ variations are examples that you can use to develop quick ball circulation with transitions.

Use them as your warmup, use them as part of your tactical session……
You will see from the examples that with just a few subtle changes / tweaks in the number of players, zones, playing area etc the Rondo can become very different.

And as always…remember…be creative and develop your own Rondo variations!

1.

Setup:

9 Players split into 4 teams of 2; plus one free player (F). Playing area is divided into two grids as shown.

To begin the activity – 2 Players are designated ‘Defenders’ – (Black in Diagram)

Instructions:

RONDO WITH TRANSITIONS TO SUPPORT:

Play starts in one of the grids – 5v2 situation is created; the FREE player (F) must stay centrally to offer supporting angles / passing options. The 2 Defenders attempt to win possession or force errors.

After 5 passes the ball may be switched to the opposite grid – Yellow players – Players (A) and the FREE player now transition across to continue the 5v2.
Play is continuous.

*Change Defenders automatically on any loss of possession / error.

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement – 1-touch play
• Passing: Decision-making and Technical Execution
• Angles of support / body position to receive – body is sideways-on position
• Awareness / Orientation = always looking & seeing options

2.

Setup:

14 Players split into 3 teams of 4; plus two free players (Green in Diagram). Playing area is divided into two grids as shown.

To begin the activity – 3 Players are designated ‘Defenders’ – (Black in Diagram)

Instructions:

RONDO WITH TRANSITIONS:

Play starts in one of the grids – 6v3 situation is created; the FREE players (Green) must stay centrally to offer supporting angles / passing options; all other players stay outside the lines. The 3 Defenders attempt to win possession or force errors.

After 5 passes the ball may be switched to the opposite grid – FREE players + Defenders now transition across to continue the 6v3.
Play is continuous.

*Change Defenders automatically on any loss of possession / error.

*Spare defender waits outside playing area and enters on each transition

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement – 1-touch play
• Passing: Decision-making and Technical Execution
• Angles of support / body position to receive – body is sideways-on position
• Awareness / Orientation = always looking & seeing options

3.

Setup:

14 players utilised; 3 teams of 4 Players plus two FREE players (white jerseys in Diagram).
Playing area divided into 3 zones – central (shaded) area for FREE players only.

Instructions:

POSITIONAL RONDO WITH TRANSITIONS:

Play starts in one of the grids – A 5v2 situation is created with the 4 Red players + 1 Free player entering the grid; the other FREE player (F) must stay centrally to offer supporting angles / passing options to transition the ball to the opposite grid. The 2 Defenders (D1 / D2) attempt to win possession or force errors.

After 5 passes the ball may be switched to the opposite grid – ball must be switched THROUGH the central FREE player. Defenders (D3 / D4) now enter to become active defenders / Defenders (D1 / D2) rest.

One FREE player enters the opposite grid to maintain the 5v2; one FREE player must always remain in central zone.

Play is continuous.

*Change Defenders after designated time

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement – 1-touch play
• Passing: Decision-making and Technical Execution
• Angles of support / body position to receive – body is sideways-on position.
• Awareness / Orientation = always looking & seeing options
• Central – FREE – Player constantly moving to create opportunities to receive the ball – 2-touch maximum allowed in central area