Transition Rondo Ladder

Objective

• -Keep the ball under pressure in a tight area
• -Find the pass through or around the press
• -Improve body shape and support angles

Setup

1. 1A rondo circle with defenders in the middle in a 18 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3One ball, bibs for the middle players.

How to play

1. 1Outside players keep the ball away from the middle defenders.
2. 2Ten consecutive passes wins the round.
3. 3The defender who wins the ball swaps with the player who lost it.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Passing round the outside only
• -Standing flat on the cone
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover