4v1 Rondo
Four players on the sides of a 10 × 10 m square keep the ball away from one defender. The simplest rondo and the best introduction for young players.
- Age
- U7–U12
- Players
- 5–20
- Duration
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 10 × 10 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Possession game
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Tactical: Ball possession
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:PassingReceiving
- Tactical:Ball retentionSupport play
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
The 4v1 rondo is the first step into rondos. With four passing options against one defender, the outside players should keep the ball comfortably as long as they move along their side to stay available and receive on the correct foot. Use it as an active warm-up or a short technical block; several squares can run at the same time.
Objective
Keep possession by passing around the defender, moving along your side to open a passing lane and receiving on the foot furthest from the defender.
Organisation
- Mark a 10 × 10 m square with four cones (8 × 8 m for U7–U10).
- One attacker on each side of the square and one defender in a bib in the middle.
- Keep spare balls next to a cone so play restarts immediately.
- With more than five players, set up several squares side by side.
How it works
- The attacker with the ball starts by passing to any teammate.
- Attackers stay on their side of the square but can move along it to help the ball carrier.
- The defender tries to intercept or touch the ball.
- If the defender wins the ball or it leaves the square, the attacker responsible swaps with the defender.
- Play 90 seconds, rest 30 seconds, and repeat 4–6 times. Ten passes in a row earn the attackers a point.
Coaching points
- Move along your line so the defender is never between you and the ball.
- Open your body and receive on the foot furthest from the defender.
- Pass on the ground and firmly, to your teammate's far foot.
- Look up before the ball arrives so you already know where the next pass goes.
- Defender: press the ball carrier quickly and use your body to block one passing lane.
Progressions
- Limit attackers to two touches, then one touch.
- Shrink the square to 8 × 8 m.
- Add a second defender to make it 4v2.
Regressions
- Allow unlimited touches.
- Make the square bigger (12 × 12 m).
- The defender may only intercept, not tackle.
Variations
- Give a bonus point for a pass through the middle to the opposite side of the square.
Key principles
- Support: always offer a passing angle.
- Body shape: stand half-open so you can see the whole square.
- Pass and adjust: after passing, move to be available again.
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