Rondos for every level: from the 4v1 warm-up rondo to rondos with zone switches and neutrals. Each page explains the touch limit, the rotation of the pressers and the coaching points for passing and body orientation.
10 drills
10 drills
Two facing 6v2 rondos with mini goals on the sides: the defenders score the instant they win the ball, the player who loses it must counter-press immediately and, if a goal is conceded, sprint to defend the other grid. The Klopp-style counter-pressing rondo.
The foundational rondo of the Ajax-Cruyff school: four possession players on the sides of a 10x10 m square against one defender inside. Slide along your own side, pass with the far foot, and whoever loses the ball goes in the middle.
Activation rondo in 8x8 m squares: four keepers of the ball against one presser who swaps out every time they touch the ball. Ideal to start the session with the ball and rhythm.
Classic four-versus-two rondo in an 8x8 m square with a maximum of two touches. Works circulation speed, constant support and the coordinated pressing of the two defenders.
Activation for three teams of four in a 20x20 yard square: one keeps the ball on the outside, one attacks inside and one defends inside. The outside team circulates quickly to pull the defenders out of shape, plays inside and, after a turnover, swaps roles with the defending team.
Directional rondo with two end zones and a middle third. Seven possession players (two targets in each end zone and three inside) against three defenders. Score with a ground pass to the far targets: 1 direct, 2 through the middle third, 5 for an up-back-through combination.
The classic dressing-room rondo: eight possession players spread around the circumference of a roughly 10-yard circle with two defenders inside. Outside players hold their relative position; whoever loses the ball goes in and the defender who wins it comes out.
Rondo from the FIFA Talent Coach Programme: three possession players in a 10 m triangle against one defender inside. The focus is readjusting body shape, feet and position after every pass so the ball carrier always has two triangular passing lanes.
Rondo observed at the Etihad Campus on 12 July 2017: six possession players around a 10x5 m rectangle (two on each short side, one on each long side) against two defenders. Short distances, both feet, and the pass that splits the defenders.
Two adjacent 10x10 m squares. Five possession players against two pressers; after eight passes the ball is switched to the other square and the two pressers must sprint across. Works possession under pressure and the transition after losing the ball.
The 4v1 in an 8x8 metre square, with free touches at first and then two touches. When the group masters one-touch passing, move to 5v2 or add a second square with a zone switch.
Passing and control under pressure, body orientation, passing lines, communication and immediate pressing after losing the ball. It is one of the most complete drills in football in very little space.