Week 22 Quick Transfer Rondo

Instructions/Setup:

This practice takes place in a 20 by 35-yard area and focuses on developing build-up play, movement, and forward passing. Set up two areas: one with two central midfielders who are the main focus for the possession team, and the other area for the defenders to challenge for the ball. The possession team aims to connect with the central midfielders and transfer possession into the other area. If defenders win possession, they are encouraged to combine and finish past the goalkeeper. After a goal or if the ball is out of play, the coach restarts play with either goalkeeper.

Coaching Notes:

• Speed of ball circulation – Emphasize the need for quick, accurate passing to keep possession flowing and maintain pressure on the defenders. Quick transfers from one area to another will help simulate real match conditions.

• Movement off the ball – The players in possession should constantly be moving to offer passing lanes and provide options for the player with the ball. This ensures a fluid and continuous build-up play.

• Angle of passing – Encourage players to always create good passing angles, ensuring that the ball can easily be moved to the next player. Central midfielders should work on opening up the passing lanes and showing for the ball.

• Transition focus – Stress the importance of quickly shifting from possession to defense when the ball is lost. Defenders should immediately transition into an attacking mindset, and the possession team must recover quickly when they lose the ball.

Progression 1: Add Extra Defenders

Introduce an additional defender to increase the pressure on the possession team. This forces the attacking team to think quicker and make better decisions, emphasizing their ability to play under defensive pressure.

Focus: Challenge the possession team to make quicker decisions and work harder to maintain control, while testing the defenders' ability to press effectively.

Progression 2: Finish with a Goal

Allow the defenders to combine after winning possession and attempt to finish past the goalkeeper. This progression emphasizes not only winning the ball but also transitioning quickly into a counter-attacking situation where they need to capitalize on the turnover.

Focus: Improve counter-attacking ability and transition from defense to attack, ensuring that the defenders are clinical when they win possession and create an opportunity to score.