Transition Rondo Drills | Game Situations, Possession, Transitions, and Finishing

What is Rondo in soccer?

Rondo is a popular training exercise in soccer that focuses on improving passing, receiving, and decision-making skills. It involves a group of players forming a circle (or square) and attempting to keep possession of the ball while one or two players in the middle try to win it back. Rondo drills are widely used in soccer training to develop technical abilities, spatial awareness, and quick thinking on the field.

Transitions in Rondo Games and Benefits from Game Situations

Rondo games provide an excellent platform to work on transitions, which are crucial aspects of the game. Transitions refer to the moment when a team gains or loses possession of the ball and quickly adjusts their positioning and mindset to either defend or attack. Incorporating transition elements into Rondo drills helps players simulate real-game scenarios and develop their ability to switch from defense to attack (and vice versa) seamlessly.

By introducing transitions in Rondo games, players can enhance their:

• Decision-making skills: Players learn to make quick decisions on when to keep possession, pass, or transition to attack or defend.
• Communication: Effective communication becomes vital during transitions as players need to coordinate their movements and adapt to the changing situation.
• Positioning: Transitions in Rondo games help players understand the importance of proper positioning during different phases of play.
• Game understanding: The ability to read the game and anticipate transitions becomes more refined through regular practice.

Rondo 4vs4 Transition: Possession with Pressure Marking and Finishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In a Rondo 4vs4 transition drill, four players form the rondo circle, while four additional players act as the opposition. The objective is for the team in possession to maintain control of the ball while the opposition applies pressure to win it back. The team in possession must focus on quick passing, movement, and maintaining possession under pressure.

This drill helps players develop their ability to:

• Handle pressure: Players learn to make quick decisions and maintain composure when faced with opponents pressuring them.
• Passing accuracy: The tight spaces in the rondo circle force players to improve their passing accuracy and technique.
• First touch: A good first touch becomes crucial in tight situations, and this drill provides ample opportunities to work on it.
• Finishing: Transitioning from possession to finishing is an essential aspect of the game, and this drill allows players to practice their final touches and shooting skills.

From Rondo to Transition: Crossing and Finishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Building on the foundation of Rondo, players can progress to drills that focus on transitioning from possession to attacking situations. One such drill involves incorporating crossing and finishing into the game. Players in the rondo circle aim to maintain possession and create opportunities to deliver crosses into the box, while players outside the circle focus on making runs and finishing the crosses.

This drill helps players improve their:

• Crossing accuracy: Players learn to deliver accurate crosses under pressure, simulating real-game scenarios.
• Movement off the ball: The players outside the circle work on their positioning and timing of runs to maximize scoring opportunities.
• Finishing skills: The drill provides players with chances to practice their finishing techniques, including headers, volleys, and shots.

Transition: Rondo 6 + 1 vs 4 to Action

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Rondo 6 + 1 vs 4 to Action drill is an advanced variation that focuses on the transition from defense to attack. In this setup, six players form the rondo circle, with one player in the middle acting as the defender. The objective is for the team in possession to maintain control and create opportunities to transition quickly to attack, utilizing the numerical advantage.

This drill helps players enhance their:

• Decision-making under pressure: The player in the middle must apply pressure and try to win the ball back, challenging the team in possession to make quick decisions on when to transition and attack.
• Exploiting numerical advantage: The team in possession must learn to recognize and capitalize on the numerical advantage to create scoring opportunities.
• Defensive organization: The defender in the middle works on positioning, pressing, and disrupting the opposition’s passing lanes.

Counter Attack Game with Transition and Finishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Another effective drill that combines transition and finishing is the Counter Attack Game. This drill simulates quick transitions from defense to attack and focuses on players’ ability to exploit space and finish scoring opportunities.

The drill involves dividing players into two teams, with one team designated as the attacking team and the other as the defending team. The attacking team starts with possession and must quickly transition into attack, aiming to score against the defending team. The defending team, upon winning possession, must counter-attack and attempt to score against the attacking team.

Possession of the ball with pressure marking, transitions with finishing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This drill helps players improve their:

• Transition speed: Players learn to transition quickly from defense to attack and vice versa, replicating game situations.
• Decision-making on the counter: Players must make quick decisions on when to pass, dribble, or shoot during counter-attacking situations.
• Finishing under pressure: The drill provides ample opportunities for players to practice their finishing skills in high-pressure situations.

All Drills above are created thanks to : TacticalPad – The #1 app for drawing drills, lineups and tactics

Conclusion

Transitioning from Rondo to game situations is an effective way to develop players’ skills in possession, transitions, and finishing. By incorporating transition elements into Rondo drills and progressing to more advanced game scenarios. Players can enhance their decision-making, communication, positioning, and game understanding. These drills provide a dynamic and engaging training environment that simulates real-game situations, preparing players for the challenges they will face on the soccer field. Happy Coaching