Rondo Rip

Objective

• -Link tackling with pressing
• -Improve support defending
• -Create repeated decision-making

Setup

1. 1Mark an 18 x 12 yard rectangle.
2. 2Play 4v2 or 5v2 depending on numbers.
3. 3The outside team keeps possession and the two defenders start in the middle.
4. 4Use bibs for the outside possession team and a clear colour for the pressers.

How to play

1. 1The outside team keeps the ball with short passes.
2. 2The defenders work together to force a mistake or make a tackle.
3. 3If the defenders win it, they swap with the player who lost possession.
4. 4If the outside team makes five passes, they score a point.
5. 5Restart quickly so defenders get repeated chances.

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

• -One defender chasing alone
• -Reaching in from too far away
• -Not recovering after a missed tackle