Guardiola's 6v2 rectangle rondo (Manchester City)
Rondo observed at the Etihad Campus on 12 July 2017: six possession players around a 10x5 m rectangle (two on each short side, one on each long side) against two defenders. Short distances, both feet, and the pass that splits the defenders.
Step 1Lado corto
1 / 3
El 1 y el 2 combinan en corto para atraer al recuperador A.
Objective
Play out of pressure in very tight spaces: use both feet, read the position of the two defenders and find the pass that splits them.
Organisation
10x5 m rectangle marked with discs. Groups of eight: six possession players outside (two on each short side and one on each long side) and two defenders in bibs inside. Spare balls next to the short sides. With more players, set up several identical rectangles.
Development
- 1The six possession players circulate the ball with two touches while the two defenders press as a pair: one to the ball, the other closing the inside line.
- 2The two players on the same short side combine short to draw a defender and free the long side.
- 3The long-side player looks for the pass across the rectangle between the two defenders: it counts double.
- 4When a defender wins the ball or it leaves the area, the player responsible goes in and the defender who has been inside longest comes out.
- 5Sets of 2-3 minutes; the group with the most consecutive passes and most split passes wins the round.
Coaching points4
- Receive with the far foot and with the body open to both sides of the rectangle.
- The two short-side players use different feet: the left one plays with the left, the right one with the right.
- Look before you receive: where the two defenders are decides the next pass.
- The split pass is the goal, not the exception: set it up with two or three short passes.
Common mistakes3
- Always playing to the partner on the same short side and never opening the rectangle.
- Both defenders pressing the ball and leaving the inside open.
- Touches away from the rectangle that delay the next pass.
Variations3
- One touch for the long-side players.
- Only split passes between the two defenders count.
- 12x6 m rectangle for younger age groups.
Progressions2
- One touch for everyone after five consecutive passes.
- Defenders may step outside the rectangle to press.
Regressions2
- Three touches and a 12x8 m rectangle.
- A single defender (6v1) to learn the rotations.
Tips
- Rotate the defenders on time (45 s) if they cannot win the ball, to keep the intensity high.
- Mark the rectangle with two disc colours: short sides and long sides.