WHAT ARE PLAYERS ARE DOING

This activity is a Positional Activation Rondo. 

The objective of the game is to progress the ball from one square to the other.

The game is set up as a 2v2 with 3 neutral players (yellow).

The playing area is divided into two square. The suggested size is each square 10 x 10 yards.

The game starts with the team in possession starting the play.

The objective is to progress into the other half.

The coach can decide whether can pass or dribble into the next square.

The attacking team needs to move the defenders enough to be able to progress the ball into the next square. 

The defending team must keep the ball in front of them to eventually create an overload to recover the ball. 

HOW TO HELP PLAYERS

This activity can be focused towards attacking, defending, or transitioning.

This rondo recreates a moment where one team has the ball and has to advance it by passing the ball horizontally to create and exploit gaps to play the ball forward.

The attacking team needs to manipulate the defender to create enough space to be able to play forward. This means their reception should set up a potential pass forward. Attacking players must be constantly be looking to play forward and only when that's not an option do they keep the ball in the current square. Coaches should direct players attention towards how many touches on the ball are necessary.

The defending team must create an overload to increase the chance of recovering the ball. Defending players need to be able to defend two players at once so as the ball travels they are able to arrive and create a momentary overload to recover the ball. Players should defend together communication the direction where they want to corral the ball and the moment when they should step to the ball.

This positional rondo could be used as an introductory activity in a training session.