Support us in Patreon

We have more drills, analysis and more to learn

Drill: Rondo for Center Backs - Dribbling to Free Up Teammates

Objective: Train center backs to dribble forward effectively, creating space and opportunities for teammates in the middle zone to receive the ball.

Setup:

• Grid: 30x30 meters overall; divided into:

  • Playing Zone: 20x30 meters (central area).

  • Center Back Zones: Two 5x30 meter zones on each end of the grid, assigned to each team’s center backs. These zones are strictly for center backs and used to work on dribbling into central space.

• Players:

  • Middle Zone: 3v3 with players of each team focusing on positioning, ball control, and receiving.

  • End Zones: Two players per team acting as center backs, positioned in the 5x30 zones. Center backs cannot directly pass to each other; they must carry the ball into the middle.

Instructions:

1. Middle Zone: The 3v3 players aim to maintain possession and create passing lanes. Their main goal is to create space for a pass or dribble into the middle from the center backs.

2. Center Back Zones:

   • Center backs are allowed to move within their 5x30 meter zone but cannot pass directly to each other.

   • To join the central play, center backs must dribble into the 20x30 area.

   • When a center back dribbles forward, teammates in the central zone should shift to create passing options, opening lanes and exploiting the free space created by the center back’s movement.

1. Ball Transition:

   • If possession changes, the opposing team’s center back can attempt to dribble forward to support the middle 3v3.

   • After a successful dribble into the middle, center backs can pass back to their teammate in the end zone or continue play with middle zone players.

Progressions:

1. Two-Touch Limit: Add a two-touch limit for middle players to increase speed and decision-making.

2. Restricted Dribbling: Allow only one center back at a time to dribble forward to enhance timing and awareness.

3. Moving Targets: Add a moving target or neutral player for center backs to aim for once inside the middle zone.

Key Coaching Points:

• Timing: Center backs should choose the right moment to dribble forward, watching for movement in the central zone to ensure a safe passing option.

• Body Positioning: Encourage an open body stance in center backs, allowing them to view the entire grid and assess passing options while dribbling forward.

• Scanning: Players should frequently scan the field to anticipate the opponent’s pressure and identify passing lanes.

• Communication: Middle zone players should call for the ball and make clear runs to receive when the center back initiates a dribble into the center.

TACTICS MANAGER PRO - CREATE DRILLS, TACTICS AND SESSION PLANS (APP)

Use For 5% Discount - AFL-LWZY