Quick Transition 6 v 6 Rondos
/This activity begins as a 6 v 6 game working on zonal marking (marking space). Use a rope (Orange lines in diagram) to tie the players together so they have to move as a unit and so they “feel it.” It can be a back four or a midfield four - the responsibilities are the same.
Four 2-yard wide goals are created with cones for each team to defend as shown. Teams can score in any goal at any time. Each team must work in a unit of four (or a three with three goals to defend). Each goal is zoned off for a player to fill.
Area 32 x 16
QUICK TRANSITION 6 V 6 RONDOS (ATTACKING)
Switching the point of attack is vital here and it must be done as fast as possible so the defending team do not have time to adjust
Now the attacking letters team on scoring immediate transition physically and mentality to defending
QUICK TRANSITION 6 V 6 RONDOS (DEFENDING)
To maintain a shape players defend their own goals but must support their team-mates to regain possession. By focusing on a goal of their own to defend it helps them keep a sense of shape as a unit.
They have to think about defending their goal, keeping their zone, supporting the pressing player and marking their own player who is in their zone.
Players must try to maintain their shape and not be moved around by the opposition as they would if they were man-marking players not space.
Players must squeeze centrally behind the ball. To establish where zones begin and end, place cones down to represent boundaries.
Note - players take their shape from 4 references, the rope, the zone the goal the opposing players.
Introduce two more players per team each team can represent a back four plus two central strikers or a midfield four and two strikers. Again we are looking to maintain a team zonal marking shape.
Now we have a 6 v 6 rondo transition game, more players, more choices, more thinking required to work out solutions to problems offensively and defensively
We are still trying to maintain a shape marking zones (spaces) but being aware of the immediate opponents’ position
The rope theory can be applied again here where they move in unison (2 midfield also)
Use a rope (orange lines in diagram) to tie the players together so they have to move as a unit and so they “feel it”
This eBook shows how these different size games can be taught and also shows different systems of play that might be useful to you.
The idea I am trying to cultivate is to find a pattern of development that goes from 4 v 4 to 7 v 7 all the way through 9 v 9 to 11 v 11 that educates the players VERY EARLY on how to ultimately play the 11 v 11, a common thread running right through the book.
This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. I have included as a way to work into these game situations many Rondo ideas that I feel are great foundation builders for players learning to combine and play together. I have stayed with simplistic ideas that all levels of players can try and be successful at. It is up to each coach to work out how to make it work for their players.
Though the foundation of the basic rondo stays the same; we explore different ways to present it. It can be made easier or more difficult based on the number of touches players are allowed, for example, so it benefits ALL players who practice with them; also the size of area they play within can be manipulated to change the challenge.
