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Rondos are small-sided possession games where one or more players in the middle aim to win the ball while players on the outside focus on passing and movement.

Rondos can vary in size, complexity, and number of players but always promote fast, technical play in confined spaces.

Objective:

To develop technical skills, improve decision-making, increase awareness, and encourage team communication by using rondos in youth soccer training. This article outlines the key benefits of rondos and why they are essential for youth soccer players’ development.

Age Group:

U8 to U18 – Rondos can be adapted to suit players of all ages and skill levels.

Difficulty:

Easy to Hard – Rondos can be tailored to the players' abilities and increase in complexity as they develop.

Why Rondos Benefit Youth Soccer Players:

1. Improves Passing and First Touch

Rondos demand high-quality passing and first touch, as players must control the ball quickly and accurately to keep possession in tight spaces. In youth development, mastering the basics of passing and receiving is crucial. Rondos force players to:

  • Use different types of passes (short, long, chipped)

  • Receive the ball under pressure

  • Develop their first touch with all parts of the foot

By repeatedly playing in rondos, youth players become more confident in their ability to control the ball and make precise passes in game situations.

2. Enhances Decision-Making and Awareness

Rondos are fast-paced and require players to make split-second decisions. Players must constantly scan the field, identify open teammates, and react quickly to defenders' movements. This continuous need for awareness enhances the players' ability to:

  • Read the game better

  • Anticipate the movements of teammates and opponents

  • Make smart decisions under pressure

The pressure of the game speeds up decision-making, training youth players to think quickly and improve their football IQ.

3. Develops Positioning and Movement Off the Ball

In rondos, off-the-ball movement is just as important as ball control. Youth players learn how to create passing angles, support their teammates, and maintain proper spacing. Rondos teach players to:

  • Stay available for a pass by constantly moving

  • Position themselves to support the ball carrier

  • Create triangles and diamonds for better passing options

This understanding of positioning directly translates to real-game situations, where maintaining shape and offering passing lanes is critical for possession-based play.

4. Promotes Teamwork and Communication

Rondos are inherently cooperative, requiring players to communicate and work together to maintain possession. Youth players benefit from:

  • Learning how to give clear verbal cues to teammates

  • Developing an understanding of non-verbal communication (gestures, body positioning)

  • Enhancing their sense of team unity, as rondos emphasize collective over individual play

This reinforces the importance of collaboration in soccer, showing young players that working as a unit leads to better results.

5. Builds Defensive Skills in a Competitive Environment

While rondos primarily focus on possession, the players in the middle benefit greatly from the defensive aspect of the drill. Defenders learn to:

  • Close down space quickly and efficiently

  • Anticipate passes and intercept the ball

  • Apply pressure and make timely tackles

Rondos simulate game-like defensive situations in a controlled space, improving players' understanding of pressing and defensive positioning.

6. Increases Speed of Play and Game Intensity

Rondos naturally increase the speed at which players execute their actions. With constant pressure from defenders, youth players are forced to play at a higher intensity, which:

  • Helps players become comfortable under pressure

  • Increases their ability to play at game pace

  • Improves their overall stamina and mental sharpness during games

By regularly incorporating rondos into training, players develop the ability to play quickly and effectively in match conditions.

Drill Setup:

  1. Area: Set up a 10x10 yard square for beginners and expand to a 20x20 yard grid for advanced players.
  2. Players: 6 to 12 players, with 2-3 players in the middle as defenders and the rest around the perimeter.
  3. Time: 5-10 minute intervals per rondo, repeated 3-4 times depending on the session focus.
  4. Equipment: Bibs to distinguish defenders and attackers, 1-2 balls.

Challenge Levels:

  • Beginner: Play 4v1 or 5v1 with ample space and no restrictions.

  • Intermediate: Increase the number of defenders (4v2 or 5v2), and introduce one-touch passing.

  • Advanced: Add more defenders, reduce the size of the grid, or require a set number of passes before scoring a point.

Technique Tips:

  • Passing: Focus on accurate, firm passes to avoid interceptions. Use all parts of the foot.

  • First Touch: Encourage players to take a positive first touch, away from pressure.

  • Body Position: Players should position their body to receive the ball facing forward.

  • Scanning: Constantly scan the field to be aware of passing options before receiving the ball.

Common Mistakes:

  • Standing Still: Youth players often fail to move off the ball. Encourage constant movement to create passing angles.

  • Slow Decision-Making: Players may hesitate under pressure. Encourage quick decisions to maintain possession.

  • Overcomplicating: Players sometimes attempt risky passes or dribbles. Emphasize simplicity and smart decision-making.

Creative Modifications:

  • Change Team Roles: Rotate players frequently between defenders and attackers to challenge everyone.

  • Add Goal Zones: Create zones where attackers must reach to score a point, encouraging directional play.

  • Time Pressure: Introduce a countdown timer for each possession, pushing players to complete passes quicker.

Safety Considerations:

  • Make sure the space is safe and free of obstacles.

  • Ensure proper warm-up before the session to avoid injuries.

  • Monitor the intensity, especially with younger players, and offer breaks as needed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rondos are invaluable for improving technical skills like passing, first touch, and ball control.

  • The drill enhances decision-making, positioning, and awareness in real-time scenarios.

  • Rondos build teamwork, communication, and defensive understanding.

  • This dynamic exercise increases speed of play, mental sharpness, and fitness.

Interactive Challenges:

  • Personal Goal: Set a target number of passes to achieve in each rondo.

  • Team Challenge: Introduce friendly competition between groups, seeing which group can complete the most passes.

  • Skill Focus: Rotate focus on each technical aspect, such as one-touch passing, to continually develop player skills.

By incorporating rondos into youth training sessions, coaches can create a dynamic, competitive, and fun environment that fosters essential soccer skills for players at all levels. This type of training not only improves individual abilities but also instills key team values that translate into game success.