Rondo Relay

Objective

• -Receive in tight space
• -Use first touch to keep possession
• -Play quickly under pressure

Setup

1. 1Mark two small grids side by side, each 9 x 12 yards.
2. 2Split players into two groups of four or five.
3. 3Place a ball in each grid.

How to play

1. 1Play a simple keep-ball game in each grid.
2. 2When a team completes a set number of passes, one player must take a first touch and carry into the next grid.
3. 3The receiving grid then becomes active straight away.
4. 4Rotate defenders and attackers often.
5. 5Keep the transitions fast and the ball always in play.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Slow switching between grids
• -Too many touches before moving
• -Herding around the ball