8v2 positional circle rondo
The classic dressing-room rondo: eight possession players spread around the circumference of a roughly 10-yard circle with two defenders inside. Outside players hold their relative position; whoever loses the ball goes in and the defender who wins it comes out.
Step 1Pase corto
1 / 3
El 1 juega al 2; el recuperador A salta a presionar.
Objective
One- and two-touch passing with accuracy and pace from a fixed position, looking for the pass that splits the two defenders, plus defending as a pair in a tight space.
Organisation
Circle of about 10 yards (9 m) in diameter marked with eight discs; a 10 m square with two players per side also works. Eight possession players on the circumference and two defenders in bibs inside. Spare balls outside the circle.
Development
- 1The eight possession players circulate the ball with one or two touches while holding their relative position on the circle: they may take a few steps to offer a line, but never swap places with a team-mate.
- 2The two defenders move freely inside and press as a pair: one to the ball, the other covering the inside pass.
- 3A pass across the circle between the two defenders counts double; a short pass to a neighbour counts one.
- 4When a defender wins the ball or knocks it out, they come out to the circle and the possession player who lost it goes in.
- 5Three-minute sets; the defenders win if they steal the ball five times before the possession players reach 30 passes.
Coaching points4
- Keep adjusting to be available: small lateral steps, never stuck behind a defender.
- Pass with enough pace to arrive cleanly so the team-mate can play one touch.
- Vision before receiving: find the free player on the far side of the circle.
- Defenders: coordinate who goes to the ball and who covers; decide quickly between tackling and screening.
Common mistakes3
- Possession players leaving their position and drifting to the ball, opening gaps in the circle.
- Soft passes that let the defender reach the team-mate's first touch.
- Both defenders pressing the same player and leaving the inside pass open.
Variations3
- A larger circle for beginners, smaller as they improve.
- One touch compulsory.
- Three defenders (8v3) to raise the demand.
Progressions2
- Only passes that split the two defenders score.
- Allow sliding tackles for the defenders (with experienced players).
Regressions2
- Free two touches and a 12 m circle.
- 6v2 rondo with the same principles.
Tips
- Ideal to start the session with the whole group.
- Count passes out loud so everyone knows the score.