Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): RONDO PRACTICE: FULL-BACK MOVEMENT

Screen 1

Description: This rondo looks to include the full-back in the progression of the ball from end to end. The yellows work as outside players with the support of the central players (2v2+4). The practice develops the players physically with a high change of direction, as the yellows will look to switch the ball from end to end. However, they must make two passes in each pitch half before switching the ball to the opposite end. This will ensure we develop control and penetration. Can the players use the wide areas to overload and unlock the space behind.

Working time: 4 mins x 4 blocks

Rest time: 1 min x4 blocks

Working area: 30x15

Players: 8 per group

Key Coaching Points:

• Intensity - We must make sure our players are working hard for the duration of the four minutes. Physical development is a key component of any training block, we require a high quantity of direction changes at a moderate intensity.
• Positioning - Rondo's are often about positioning, and this is no different, can the in-possession players look to play between and beyond the opponent to extend the overload and control of space that the side in possession has.
• Receiving skills are also very important components. Can a player receive the ball on the safe side away from the opponent? But can they also receive under pressure and beat the opponent.

Screen 3

The second image shows a
combination using width to unlock
space on the opposite side of the
practice. Here the ball is played
wide and then played back into the
midfield player who is marked. The
ball is then bounced back to the
outside player and then into the
wide area.