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The 4 v 2 Rondo: Building Foundations for Advanced Play
This article from our archive has been adapted and updated - The original article was written by Jed Davies.
1. Introduction
The 4 v 2 Rondo provides the foundation for the theory needed to progress onto the ‘Up-Back-Through’ Rondo. The size of the rondo and any of the possible conditions of play depend on the technical ability and physical profile of your players. For the purposes of beginning the conversation, the suggested dimensions have been proposed as 8x10 yards.
2. Types of Passes in Soccer
In soccer, effective passing is crucial for maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. There are various types of passes, each with its own strategic purpose. Understanding and utilizing different types of passes can significantly enhance a team's performance on the field. Here, we explore three primary types of passes: first line, second line, and third line passes.
First Line Pass
A first line pass is any pass that takes place in front of the opposition and does not bypass the opposition player. The purpose of the first line pass is to promote the conditions for a third line pass opportunity.
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Second Line Pass
A second line pass is any pass that looks to go ‘around’ the opposition.
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Third Line Pass
A third line pass is any pass that goes through the opponent, also known as a split pass. Encourage the third line pass as often as possible, as it can be seen as a ‘penetration pass’ from a central defender to a striker who might have dropped into a pocket of space, for example.
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3. Defensive Positioning and Objectives
Defensive positioning in the 4 v 2 Rondo is crucial for creating a challenging environment for the attackers while promoting defensive skills and awareness. The defenders should aim to block any second line pass and layer themselves to intercept a third line pass while also pressuring any first line pass. The primary objective of the defenders is not to tackle but to intercept the ball. Here are some key points to consider:
Positioning to Block Second Line Passes
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Anticipation: Defenders must anticipate the direction of the play and position themselves to block passes that go around them. This requires constant awareness and reading the attackers' intentions.
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Angles and Distances: Maintaining appropriate distances and angles relative to the ball and each other is vital. This ensures that the defenders cover more ground and block potential passing lanes effectively.
Layering to Intercept Third Line Passes
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Depth and Cover: Defenders should layer themselves in depth, meaning one defender plays closer to the ball while the other provides cover behind. This positioning creates multiple layers of defense, making it harder for the attackers to play through passes.
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Shifting and Rotating: As the ball moves, defenders must shift and rotate their positions to maintain their layered structure. This dynamic movement helps in covering spaces and potential passing lanes more effectively.
Pressuring First Line Passes
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Immediate Pressure: When a first line pass is made, the nearest defender should apply immediate pressure to the receiver. This pressure can force mistakes or rushed decisions by the attackers.
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Support and Balance: While one defender pressures the ball, the other should support by maintaining a balanced position to cover potential passes and be ready to intercept any rushed or misplaced balls.
Interception over Tackling
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Focus on Interceptions: The primary goal of the defenders in the rondo is to intercept passes rather than tackling the ball. Interceptions require anticipation, quick reactions, and good positioning.
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Minimizing Fouls: By focusing on interceptions, defenders can minimize fouls and disruptions in play, allowing the rondo to flow and promoting continuous learning for both attackers and defenders.
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Promoting Play Continuity: Encouraging interceptions over tackles maintains the tempo and rhythm of the exercise, helping attackers and defenders to develop their skills in a realistic, game-like scenario.
Defensive Communication
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Verbal Cues: Effective communication between defenders is essential. Using verbal cues to indicate pressing, covering, or shifting helps maintain a cohesive defensive unit.
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Non-Verbal Signals: In addition to verbal communication, defenders should use non-verbal signals such as hand gestures or eye contact to coordinate their movements and intentions.
Adaptability and Awareness
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Reading the Play: Defenders must continuously read the play and adapt their positioning accordingly. This includes recognizing patterns in the attackers' movements and anticipating their next actions.
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Flexibility: Being flexible in their approach allows defenders to adjust their strategies based on the attackers' strengths and weaknesses. This adaptability is crucial for effectively disrupting the attackers' rhythm and flow.
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4. Attacking Learning Outcomes
The attacking learning outcomes for this rondo include:
Body Shape: Opening up to be able to play the penetrative pass whenever possible.
Three Types of Pass: Prioritizing the different types of passes.
Tempo Control: Moving the opponent with half a touch (quicker) or stopping with the sole (slowing).
Supporting Angles: Creating and finding angles to receive or create penetration.
Flattening the Opponent: Pulling the opponents to be flat/square (removing ‘layers’).
Creating Gaps: Pulling opponents wide/horizontally to find gaps.
Principles of a Diamond: Understanding the principles as mentioned above.
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5. Positional Specificity
Implementing positional specificity in the 4 v 2 Rondo exercise allows players to practice and refine the skills and movements they will use in their actual playing positions. This approach ensures that the rondo is not just a technical exercise, but also a tactical and strategic one, closely mirroring game situations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each position can be represented and the specific roles and objectives for each player:
Central Defender (Bottom of the Box)
Role and Objectives: The central defender’s primary role is to maintain possession while initiating and orchestrating play from the back. This player should focus on distributing the ball accurately and quickly, often looking for opportunities to play penetrating passes (third line passes).
Key Skills: Accurate long and short passing, decision-making under pressure, maintaining composure, and opening the body to play forward.
Movement and Positioning: The central defender should position themselves to receive the ball from the goalkeeper or deeper players, and always be prepared to shift laterally to create passing angles.
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Fullback (Either Side of the Box)
Role and Objectives: The fullbacks in the rondo are responsible for providing width and supporting both defensive and offensive play. They should focus on receiving the ball under pressure, making overlapping runs, and playing accurate passes to midfielders or forwards.
Key Skills: Quick passing, dribbling in tight spaces, crossing, and providing support in both attack and defense.
Movement and Positioning: Fullbacks should be positioned wide and slightly advanced, ready to receive the ball and create width. They need to be aware of their positioning to support central players and offer outlets for wide play.
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Central Midfielder (Either Side of the Box)
Role and Objectives: Central midfielders act as the link between defense and attack. Their primary objective is to control the tempo of the game, distribute the ball effectively, and create opportunities for penetrating passes.
Key Skills: Ball control, vision, passing accuracy, and the ability to read the game and make quick decisions.
Movement and Positioning: Central midfielders should position themselves to be constantly available for passes, moving into spaces that allow them to receive the ball and turn to play forward. They should also be prepared to provide defensive cover when necessary.
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Advanced Player (Top of the Box)
Role and Objectives: In a rondo exercise, the advanced player positioned at the top of the box has a crucial role in maintaining possession and facilitating play. Their primary objective is to create and exploit space to receive the ball and distribute it effectively to teammates within the rondo setup.
Key Skills: Passing, quick decision-making, and awareness are essential skills for the advanced player in a rondo. They must be able to receive the ball under pressure and make accurate passes to their teammates
Movement and Positioning: If fixed at the top of the box, the advanced player should constantly adjust their position to find space within this confined area. They need to be adept at receiving the ball, quickly assessing their options, and making sharp, precise passes to teammates. The advanced player should also anticipate movements and be ready to provide support, ensuring that the rondo exercise continues smoothly and effectively. Their role is pivotal in linking play and creating opportunities for their teammates to maintain possession and exploit gaps in the opposition's defense.
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Integration and Coordination
Linking Play: All players must work together to maintain possession and create opportunities. The central defender, fullbacks, and central midfielders need to coordinate their movements to ensure there are always passing options available.
Switching Play: Players should practice switching play from one side to the other to exploit spaces and disorganize the opposition. This involves quick and accurate long passes and understanding the timing of runs.
Maintaining Shape: While each player has specific roles, maintaining the overall team shape is crucial. Players should be aware of their positioning relative to each other and adjust to maintain balance and structure.
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Adapting to Game Scenarios
Simulating Game Conditions: Coaches can introduce scenarios that players might face in a game, such as pressing traps, counter-attacks, or specific defensive formations. This helps players understand how to apply their skills and positioning in real match situations.
Role Rotation: Periodically rotating players through different positions can help them understand the responsibilities and challenges of their teammates, fostering a more cohesive and adaptable team.
6. Conditions, Progressions, and Optional Variations
To maximize the effectiveness and engagement of the 4 v 2 Rondo, coaches can implement various conditions, progressions, and optional variations. These adjustments can cater to different skill levels, tactical focuses, and training objectives, ensuring that the exercise remains challenging and beneficial for all players. Here are several ways to modify and enhance the rondo:
Points
Create a point-scoring system (e.g., 10 points mean the defenders must now win the ball twice to get out).
Touches
To increase tempo and concentration, introduce a rule where pass A has to be one touch and pass B has to be two touches (A, B, A, B, A...).
Organizational
To enhance teamwork in both defending and attacking, ensure BOTH defenders are rewarded upon winning the ball, such as with points or a brief rest period. Penalize BOTH attackers by having them switch into the center as defenders or with a points deduction (the one who lost the ball and the person who passed it to them). Any transitions or changes should be executed with speed and aggression as a priority – NO WALKING OR WAITING! Maintain a high tempo!
Directional Play
You may have this rondo functioning in a dual-directional manner (North to South, then mirroring back) or freely directional. Preference is taken to eventually mastering the dual-directional design (purposeful).
Passing Sequence
One first line pass (minimum) must be made before a third line pass to allow defensive recognition.
Self-Reflective Questions | The 4 v 2 Rondo
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As you implement the 4 v 2 Rondo and its variations, here are some key considerations and questions to guide your coaching process:
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Player DevelopmentTechnical Ability: Are the players consistently executing the different types of passes with accuracy and confidence?Decision Making: Are the players making smart decisions about when and where to pass? Are they able to read the defenders' positioning effectively?Body Positioning: Are the players adopting the correct body shape to facilitate quick and effective passing?
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Defensive StrategyPositioning: Are the defenders positioning themselves effectively to block second and third line passes?Interception vs. Tackling: Are the defenders focusing on intercepting passes rather than tackling? How can this be reinforced?
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Tempo and RhythmControl: Are players able to control the tempo of the game, speeding up or slowing down as needed?Variations: How are the players adapting to different tempo rules, such as one-touch or two-touch passing?
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Team DynamicsCommunication: Are players communicating effectively on the field? How can this be improved?Support and Angles: Are the players consistently creating and using supporting angles? How can they better find or create penetration opportunities?
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Transition and SpeedTransition: Are players transitioning quickly and effectively between attack and defense?
How can the importance of speed and aggression be emphasized?Rules and Conditions: How are players responding to different rules and conditions? Are these variations helping them develop the desired skills and understanding? -
Positional SpecificityUnderstanding Roles: Are players understanding and executing their positional roles within the rondo? How can this be better communicated or practiced?Adaptability: How well are players adapting to different positional requirements and variations in the rondo?
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Transition and SpeedTransition: Are players transitioning quickly and effectively between attack and defense? How can the importance of speed and aggression be emphasized?Rules and Conditions: How are players responding to different rules and conditions? Are these variations helping them develop the desired skills and understanding?
Coaching Questions | The 4 v 2 Rondo
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1. What are the key learning outcomes you want your players to achieve from this rondo?
The key learning outcomes include improving passing accuracy and speed, enhancing spatial awareness, and understanding movement off the ball. Players should also learn to make quick decisions, use different types of passes effectively, and control the game's tempo. Emphasizing teamwork and tactical concepts such as creating and exploiting space is crucial.
2. How can you adjust the dimensions or rules of the rondo to better suit the needs and abilities of your players?
Adjust the size of the grid based on players' skill levels. For beginners, a larger grid allows more space and time, while a smaller grid challenges advanced players. Modify rules like touch limits or scoring systems to emphasize specific skills and match your training objectives.
3. What specific feedback and coaching points can you provide to help players improve their performance in this exercise?
Focus on technical execution and tactical awareness. Encourage an open body shape, quick and accurate passing, and proper movement to create passing angles. Highlight the importance of communication and constant support for teammates. Provide constructive feedback to correct mistakes and reinforce positive behaviors.
4. How can you ensure that the lessons learned in the rondo are transferring to actual game situations?
Incorporate game-like scenarios and small-sided games that emphasize rondo principles. Use video analysis to connect training exercises to match play. Provide contextual feedback during games, reminding players of the rondo concepts. Consistent reinforcement helps solidify the transfer of skills.
5. What additional variations or progressions can you introduce to keep the exercise challenging and engaging for your players?
Introduce variations like adding more defenders, reducing touch limits, or incorporating directional play. Use constraints such as mandatory one-touch passes or requiring a set number of passes before a goal attempt. Vary the scoring system to reward creative and penetrating passes. These modifications keep the exercise dynamic and challenging.
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