Four-Zone Rondo

Pitch: Mark out a square of about 10 x 10 metres with cones and divide it into four quarters of equal size with further cones at the midpoints of the sides. In the middle a second square of about 2 x 2 metres is marked out as a waiting area.

Equipment: Cones, bibs in three colours, 2 balls.

Players: In the small square 4 players wait in a bib colour of their own, they provide the defenders. In each quarter of the large square there are 3 players, with diagonally opposite quarters belonging together. In two opposite quarters there is one ball each. With only 12 players the game is played with three groups of three and one ball.

• In the two quarters with a ball a 3 vs 1 starts against one player from the waiting area.
• After 5 passes of their own the group of three may play on into one of the adjacent quarters.
• The previous defender goes back into the waiting area, the next waiting player takes over the new quarter.
• If a defender wins the ball, that player tries to reach the waiting area with it.
• The game is then continued in the neighbouring quarter.
• If a player of the group of three wins the ball back, that player tries to play 3 passes with the two team-mates, while the other players immediately go into counter-pressing.

Scoring: If a defender reaches the waiting area with the ball won, the group of defenders receives one point. If both balls are in one quarter at the same time, that also gives the defenders one point.

Simplification:

• At an easier level the change into the next quarter may only be made clockwise. Free changes of area, by contrast, require communication across the areas.

Progression:

• At a higher level increase the minimum number of passes or limit the number of touches.

Note: Drill idea by Eddie Plickat.