Week *6 2v2(+2) Transitional Rondo

Instructions/Setup:

This practice takes place in a 15 by 40-yard area and focuses on transitional rondo, pressing to regain possession, maintaining possession, and exploiting overloads. The field is split into three zones: a 15-yard zone, a 10-yard zone, and another 15-yard zone. Two teams of four players are used, with three floaters (neutral players) who can move freely between the zones.

To start, we begin in zone 1 with a 2 v 2 situation, plus 2 floaters. The objective for the possession team is to complete 3 passes before they are allowed to play the ball into the middle zone. Once the ball enters the middle zone, a floater joins to create a 2 v 2 + 1 situation. The central players must then combine to play through to the floater in the third zone for a goal. The play then resets, and the roles switch; if the defending team wins possession, they become the possession team.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick and effective passing – The possession team should focus on completing quick, accurate passes to maintain possession and move the ball through the zones. Timing is crucial to breaking down the opposition.

• Overload exploitation – When the ball moves into the central or third zone, the team should look to exploit the overload created by the floaters, using the extra players to create space and break through the defense.

• Pressing to regain possession – The defending team must focus on applying quick, coordinated pressure to win back the ball. Pressing should be immediate and strategic to prevent the opposition from exploiting space in the middle or final zones.

• Communication and movement – The players must maintain constant communication to ensure the correct timing of passes and movements. Central players should work together to quickly move the ball to the next zone, while players off the ball need to position themselves well to offer support.

• Transition play – When the defending team wins possession, they must transition quickly into attack. They should focus on maintaining possession in the first zone, looking for a quick outlet into the middle zone to exploit the opposition's defensive weaknesses.

• Spatial awareness – Players should always be aware of their position in relation to the rest of the team. Players in the middle and final zones must be ready to support and make runs to receive passes at the right moments.

Progression 1: Restrict Passing Time

Introduce a time limit for the possession team to complete their 3 passes (e.g., 10 seconds). This forces the possession team to make quicker decisions and move the ball faster while increasing the intensity of the drill.

Focus: Improve decision-making speed and encourage quick, purposeful movement to maintain possession under pressure.

Progression 2: Increase the Number of Defenders

In the middle zone, increase the number of defenders (e.g., 2 defenders vs 1 floater) to create a more challenging scenario for the possession team. This forces the possession team to work harder to exploit the overloads.

Focus: Enhance the ability to work with overloads in tight spaces, encouraging quick ball movement and better support play under pressure.