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Drill: Half-Turn Rondo for Quick Directional Change

Organization:

• Area Setup: Set up a 20x20 meter grid, divided into three zones:

  • Central Zone: Main rondo area (10x10 meters).

  • Two Side Zones: Positioned on opposite sides of the central zone, where players wait to receive the ball and prepare for a directional change.

• Player Setup:

  • Central Zone: 4-5 players play rondo-style possession (e.g., 4v2).

  • Side Zones: 1-2 players in each side zone (outside the grid).

Objective:

• Focus on receiving on the half-turn to quickly change the direction of attack.

• Improve players’ ability to scan, control under pressure, and play forward.

Drill Instructions:

1. Players in the Central Zone start by keeping possession in a rondo.

2. After completing 3-5 passes, they look to transfer the ball to a player in one of the Side Zones.

3. The receiving player in the Side Zone performs a half-turn to face the opposite side of the grid and quickly returns the ball to the Central Zone or switches it to the other Side Zone.

4. Continue the drill with quick passes and frequent directional changes to simulate game situations.

Progressions:

1. Two-Touch Limit: Implement a two-touch restriction to encourage quick decision-making.

2. Add a Defender: Add one defender to each Side Zone, creating a semi-active opponent for the receiving players to work against.

3. Incorporate a Target Player: Place a target player behind one of the Side Zones, requiring a pass to them after a directional change.

Key Coaching Points:

• Receive on the Half-Turn: Encourage players to position their body open to the field to accelerate the transition.

• Scanning: Players should look over their shoulders before receiving to assess the best option.

• Change of Direction: Emphasize speed and accuracy in switching the ball from side to side.

• Body Positioning: Players should receive the ball on their back foot to facilitate a quick turn and switch of play.

Coaching Questions:

• To the players:

  1. "How can you open up your body to be ready to pass quickly to the opposite side?"

  2. "What do you notice about defenders’ positions when you receive the ball?"

  3. "How does the half-turn help you speed up your play?"

• To the coach:

  1. "Are players consistently scanning and adjusting body positions to receive on the half-turn?"

  2. "Is the ball moving quickly enough to simulate a real game change of play?"

  3. "Are players aware of which zone to pass to for an efficient directional switch?"

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