Drill: 2v2 Rondo with Neutrals (U11 and Up)
Drill: 2v2 Rondo with Neutrals (U11 and Up)
RONDOS
10/23/20242 min read
Drill: 2v2 Rondo with Neutrals (U11 and Up)
Organization:
Set up a 15x15 meter grid.
Two teams in total: Two teams of two players each (e.g., reds and greens) in the center of the grid, playing against each other in a 2v2.
Each team has two neutral players positioned outside the grid but on opposite sides, supporting their team in possession.
Objective: The 2v2 players in the middle aim to move the ball from one side of the grid to the other, using passes to switch play and maintain possession.
Players can use their outside neutral teammates for support. The neutrals can only pass to each other once in a row to keep play dynamic.
Progressions:
Two-Touch Limit: Restrict inside players to two touches to increase speed and decision-making.
Pressing Neutrals: Allow defenders to press outside neutral players, adding intensity and challenging ball control.
Dribble Entry for Neutrals: Permit neutrals to dribble into the grid to attract defenders, creating space and opening passing lanes.
No Passes from Neutral to Neutral: Prevent neutrals from passing to each other consecutively to encourage faster ball movement and creativity.
Limit Neutral Support Options: Set a maximum of two consecutive passes with the neutrals or remove the option to pass back to the neutral after receiving a pass.
Key Coaching Points:
Awareness and Scanning: Encourage players in the middle to frequently scan their surroundings to locate passing options and anticipate defensive pressure.
Switch of Play: Focus on effectively moving the ball from one side to the other, recognizing when to use neutrals and when to combine with teammates in the middle.
Speed of Play: Emphasize quick ball circulation and decision-making, using limited touches to create passing angles and openings.
Movement and Support: Players should position themselves to provide easy passing options, creating triangles with teammates and maintaining balance in possession.
Half Turn and Far Leg First Touch: Players should always try to be on half turn for easy and fast play from side to side and two try to take the first touch with far leg from the player in the space to their team mate.
Coaching Questions:
To the players:
"How can you use your body positioning to maintain awareness of both the defenders and your passing options?"
"What is the best way to involve the neutrals when switching play to the opposite side?"
"How can you use quick, effective passes to keep possession and control the pace of the game?"
To the coach:
"Are players moving to create open passing lanes and maintaining spatial awareness?"
"Are neutrals actively supporting play by positioning themselves as easy options to switch sides?"
"Are the progressions effectively challenging players to think quickly and adapt their movement?"
