Rondo and switch
Four keep the ball in an end zone from two pressing defenders. After four passes they switch it over the middle to the four at the other end.
- Ages
- U13–U15
- Players
- 12: two teams of 4 in the end zones (1–4, 5–8), 4 defenders in the middle; rotate the pressing pair after 5 points
- Area
- 12×30 yd
- Time
- 15 min
One example
Stay wide: two can't cover four.
Coaching points
- Keep the shape wide so the two defenders can't cover everyone.
- Count the passes out loud; on four, look for the switch.
- The switch must clear the middle zone: firm and along the ground.
- Defenders: press together, one on the ball, one cutting the next pass.
Equipment: 8 cones, bibs in 3 colours, balls
Based on FIFA Training Centre — Ages 12-15: Optimising skill development, in our own words.