4v4+4 Continuous Transition Rondo
This drill enhances quick decision-making, possession retention, and defensive pressing. Players develop composure under pressure, transition speed, and teamwork through a continuous cycle of possession and defending.
Rondo drill, 4v4+4, possession soccer, transition play, pressing, small-sided game
A dynamic possession rondo emphasizing quick transitions, pressing, and positional awareness in a 10x20-yard space with rotating roles.
Drill Setup
- Field Size: Two adjacent 10x10-yard grids (total 10x20 yards) marked by 6 cones
- Players: 12 total (3 teams of 4 players)
- Roles:
Yellow (4 players): Non-rotating possession team (two in the middle, two on end lines)
Red (4 players): Starts as outside possession team on the sidelines
Blue (4 players): Starts as the inside defenders
Drill Instructions
- The yellow team (4 players) and the red team (4 players) maintain possession using quick passes.
- The blue team (4 players) applies defensive pressure inside the grid to win the ball.
- If the blue team wins possession, they must quickly pass to an outside yellow player and transition to the possession team outside the grid.
- The red team, having lost possession, immediately moves inside the grid to defend.
- The drill continues fluidly, with teams transitioning between possession and defense without stopping play.
- Play in 3-5 minute rounds, focusing on maintaining tempo and quick transitions.
- Rotate each team as the possession team.
Drill Variations
- Touch Restriction: Limit possession players to two touches max.
- Man-Marking Challenge: Defenders must track specific players to increase defensive intensity.
- Time-Limited Possession: Require possession teams to complete 6-8 passes before switching play.
- Extra Defender: Add a neutral defensive player to make ball retention harder.
- Directional Play: Designate one end line as the attacking side where possession must be played into before scoring a point.
Drill Coaching Points
This drill improves technical passing, defensive awareness, and transition play, creating a high-tempo environment that simulates real-game scenarios.
- Quick Transitions: Players must react instantly when roles switch.
- First-Touch Passing: Encourage sharp, precise one- or two-touch passing.
- Movement Off the Ball: Players should constantly adjust their positioning to create passing lanes.
- Defensive Pressing: Defenders must work as a unit to force turnovers quickly.
- Communication: Players must talk to organize their transitions and support teammates.
Equipment
- Disc Cones/Markers - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
Drill Ages
Soccer Drill Skill Focus
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