Benfica Fitness Rondos

Instructions/Setup:

This conditioning rondo is designed to build fitness while also incorporating ball control and decision-making. The drill starts with two defenders sprinting into a grid, where they attempt to win the ball in a 2v4 rondo. The four attacking players will work to maintain possession by passing and moving in sync.

Once the defenders touch the ball, both will split and move into smaller grids located to the left and right of the main grid. In these smaller grids, the defenders will now work in a 1v3 scenario, where they will again attempt to win possession of the ball from the attacking players.

Coaching Notes:

• Fitness & Intensity: Emphasize the high-intensity nature of the drill. Attackers must constantly move to offer passing options, while defenders should press aggressively to win the ball as quickly as possible.

• Positioning: Attackers should focus on maintaining good positioning to facilitate quick ball movement and prevent defenders from closing down options too quickly.

• Decision Making: Attackers must make quick decisions when receiving the ball, choosing the best option to pass or move based on the pressure from the defenders.

• Transition: The defenders must be ready to transition immediately after winning the ball, quickly splitting into the smaller grids to challenge the attackers again. This teaches them to react to possession changes quickly and adjust to new situations.

Progression 1: Increase the Size of the Smaller Grids:

Enlarge the smaller grids where the defenders work in a 1v3. This gives the defenders a bit more space to cover, forcing them to work harder and be more strategic in how they win possession.

Focus: This progression focuses on enhancing the defenders' ability to close down space efficiently while still requiring attackers to make quick decisions under increased defensive pressure.