A 4v2 Rondo drill focused on having the two defenders quickly identify who is the first defender. The first defender communicates that they are the taking the ball and then closes on the ball handler while the second defender assumes a position to support the first defender. The attacking players continue to move the ball around the box but need to focus on adjusting their position to provide passing angles for the ball handler. When the defending pair win the ball they get 1 point and the process begins again. Run the drill for 1-3 minutes depending on the fitness of your group. Once the time is up move a new defending pair into the box. Progressions: Have the attackers limited to 1-2 touches To make it continuous have the first defender switch the ball handler after the pass
What is the trigger to determining who is the first defender? Communicating who is the first defender First Defender closing under control Second defender needs to get into a good supporting position. Body Position of both defenders.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.
A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
