Rondos Possession

4v2 Rondo

The 4v2 rondo is the standard rondo most teams play every week. Four players round the outside of a box keep the ball from two defenders in the middle, and with two defenders there's a new picture to read: the gap between them. When it opens, the pass through the middle, the split pass, beats both at once.

AgesU8 to adult
Players6 per box (4 to 10)
Space15 × 15 m
Time15 min
IntensityHigh

Animate it in DrawTactics

It trains first touch, disguise and quick decisions for the attackers, and pressing as a pair for the defenders. Use it as a technical warm-up, or keep it competitive with a scoring rule and use it as a short, intense block of its own.

Setup

Mark out a 15 × 15 m box. Put 4 attackers on the outside, one on each side, and 2 defenders inside it. The attackers keep the ball round the box; a defender who wins it, or forces it out, swaps with the attacker who lost it.

Equipment4 cones per box, 1 ball per box, Bibs for the defenders

How it works

The bottom attacker passes to the right side and the first defender presses the receiver while the second shifts across to cover.
The ball goes on to the top attacker, the second defender steps out to press, and the first recovers toward the middle.
With the defenders pulled apart, the top attacker plays a split pass straight through the middle back to the bottom of the box.
The bottom attacker switches it to the left side and the nearest defender chases out to press again.

Diagram of the 4v2 rondo with every pass and run — Every step of the drill on one diagram.

Coaching points

Be available on both sides of the player on the ball
Look for the split pass when the defenders drift apart
One or two touches, and disguise where it's going
Defenders press as a pair: one goes to the ball, one blocks the split
Receive on the half-turn so you can see the gap before the ball arrives

Make it harder

Two touches, then one
Ten passes in a row is a point; a split pass counts double
Smaller box
Add a fifth attacker in the middle as a target for the split

Make it easier

Bigger box
One defender fewer
Unlimited touches

Adapting it by age

U8–U10

Play 4v1 or 5v2 in an 18 × 18 m box with unlimited touches; swap defenders on a timer so nobody stays in for too long.

U12–U14

4v2 in 15 × 15 m, two touches, and a point for every eight passes in a row or any split pass.

U15 to adult

Shrink the box to 10–12 m, play one touch, and the defenders score by winning it and making two passes between themselves.

Common mistakes

Attackers stand flat on the line, so their teammate on the ball only has one option. Ask the two players either side of the ball to step in or slide along the line until there's a clear lane on both sides.

Both defenders chase the ball and leave the middle open. One presses, one screens the split pass; say it out loud and let the screening defender call the press.

Players force the split pass every time, even when it isn't on. Reward the split only when it beats both defenders, and praise the patient pass round the outside too.

Defenders stay in the middle for minutes at a time and switch off. Swap defenders after 60 to 90 seconds even if they haven't won it.

FAQ

How big should a 4v2 rondo grid be?
Around 15 × 15 m is a good default. Go to 10–12 m for older, sharper groups and up to 20 m for younger players or when you're first introducing it.

What is a split pass in a rondo?
A pass between the two defenders, through the middle of the box, to the attacker on the far side. It takes both defenders out of the play at once.

How long should a rondo last?
Play in blocks of 2 to 3 minutes with defenders swapping regularly, for about 12 to 15 minutes in total.

Make this drill your own

Open the 4v2 rondo in DrawTactics to change the numbers and the size of the area, move the players, and export your own animation or diagram for your team. Or add it to a free session plan and print it.

Animate it in DrawTactics