Week 33 Transitional Rondo with Active Jokers

Instructions/Setup:

This drill focuses on improving players' possession under pressure, quick passing, and zonal defensive skills. The players work in a rondo setup with active jokers, allowing for fluid ball movement and quick transitions between attack and defense. The possession team must maintain control of the ball while under pressure, and the defending team must focus on compact defending, working as a unit to close down space and force turnovers. Active jokers will help maintain possession by acting as outlets, creating passing options for the attacking team.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick Passing and Movement – Encourage players to pass the ball quickly, focusing on precision and speed. Players should work on maintaining a high tempo, with quick decision-making to retain possession while under pressure.

• Zonal Defending – Defenders should work together in a compact shape, applying pressure to the player on the ball while covering space to intercept passes. Communication between defenders is key to maintaining an effective zonal defense.

• Use of Active Jokers – Emphasize the importance of using the active jokers to maintain possession and create new angles for passing. The jokers should be mobile, always available to receive the ball and offer passing options.

• Transitioning Between Attack and Defense – Focus on the rapid transition from possession to defense and vice versa. Once the defending team wins the ball, they must transition quickly into an attacking role, while the possession team must focus on quickly regaining possession after losing the ball.

Progression 1: Add a Time Limit

Introduce a time limit for the possession team to complete a set number of passes, forcing them to make quicker decisions and pass under pressure. This progression will increase the intensity and urgency of the drill.

Focus: Improve passing speed and decision-making under pressure while developing the ability to regain possession quickly.

Progression 2: Increase Defensive Pressure

Introduce more defenders or reduce the number of jokers to increase pressure on the possession team. This will challenge players to make quicker passes, improve their ability to maintain possession under defensive pressure, and develop sharper movements to create space.

Focus: Enhance passing under increased defensive pressure, while maintaining composure and effective movement.