Rondos Transition Possession

Transition Rondo

A transition rondo adds the moment after the ball is won. One team keeps the ball in one half against two pressers; the instant the pressers win it, they play into the other half where their teammates are waiting, and the team that lost it has to send players across to win it back.

AgesU10 to adult
Players10 (7 to 13)
Space30 × 15 m
Time15 min
IntensityHigh

Animate it in DrawTactics

So every turnover asks both teams a question: the winners have to look forward and get the first pass away, and the losers have to react straight away instead of complaining. It suits teams that are comfortable with a standard rondo and are ready to work on counter-pressing and playing out of pressure.

Setup

Mark out a 30 × 15 m area split into two halves. In one half, 4 Reds keep the ball from 2 Blue pressers. In the other half, 4 Blues wait round the edge. When the pressers win it they pass into the other half, and the two nearest Reds sprint across to press while the Blues keep it there.

Equipment6 cones, Several balls, 2 sets of bibs

How it works

The Reds pass round their half and the first Blue presser closes down the receiver.
The second presser cuts off the escape pass and the first presser wins the ball.
The presser plays straight into the other half to a waiting Blue, and the two nearest Reds sprint across the halfway line.
The Blues move it on in their half and the first Red to arrive presses the new receiver.

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

Coaching points

Win it, then look forward: the first pass goes into the other half
The team that loses it reacts within three seconds
The waiting team spreads out to make their half big
The two nearest players go across, quickly
Pressers work together: one presses the ball, one blocks the escape pass

Make it harder

Two-touch limit in both halves
The receiving half must make three passes before it counts
Pressers who win it can dribble across the line instead of passing

Make it easier

One presser in each half
Bigger halves
The chasing players wait for a coach's call before they go across

Adapting it by age

U8–U10

Run it 3v1 in each half of a 24 × 12 m area with one presser and unlimited touches, and send only the nearest player across after a turnover.

U12–U14

Play the standard 4v2 in 30 × 15 m, allow three touches so the transition isn't rushed, and rotate the pressers every two minutes.

U15 to adult

Play 5v2 in halves of 15 × 18 m with two touches, and score a point for a successful forward pass within five seconds of winning it.

Common mistakes

After winning it, the presser takes three touches and looks around, so the other team gets back in shape. Give the switch a time limit or a bonus point if it's played within two touches of the win.

The team that lost it stands and argues while the ball goes across. Score a point for the pressers if the chasers don't reach the other half within a few seconds.

The waiting team bunches near the halfway line. Ask them to stand on the edges of their half so the area is as big as possible when the ball arrives.

FAQ

What is a transition rondo?
A rondo where winning the ball isn't the end: the team that wins it plays into a second area, and the team that lost it has to react and press again.

How many players do you need for a transition rondo?
Ten is the standard setup, four and two in one half and four waiting in the other. It works with seven up to about thirteen.

Make this drill your own

Open the transition 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