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”