5 vs 2: Rondo - Barcelona FC

Goal:

Possession

Soccer Tactics

Equipment

Markers
2 vests
Balls

Preparation

Playing Area: 10x10 meters / 11x11 yd
Players: 7
Duration: 10
Series: 2 series of 4 minutes each with 1 minute of passive recovery inbetween

Summary

Maintain ball possession in a small area. This training method can be used both for young players (from age 10) and first team players.

Secondary Objectives

Creating space, Passing, Receiving to turn, Body shape, Intercepting, Midfielder, Center midfielder, Oriented control, Losing your marker, Pass, Positioning, Intercepting, Midfielder, Center midfielder, Organizing midfielder, Ball possession, Warm up

Organization

This drill is very popular during Barcelona training sessions and it uses the 5 vs 2 situation inside a square where the ball circulates. Rondos were introduced by Johan Cruiff during first team training sessions. Legendary Cruiff made sure that this type of training was used even in youth academy soccer practices.

Description

Players occupy the whole square. Place one attacking player on three sides of it, while on the last side there are two players. Players inside the square try to recover the ball. Each attacking player can move only on their side of the square. If a yellow player intercepts a pass, they swap position with the attacking player.

This drill must be performed for a limited time and can also be used as a warm-up.

Variations

Limit ball touches for attacking players, at first two, then just one ball touch

Coaching Points

Coordination and body posture to ensure a good pass
Precise and soft pass
Despite limited space, players should play with their heads up in order to know where their teammates are
Defending players should help eachother trying to cover all spaces
Players should keep moving and can't stand still
Quick thinking and awareness