4v4v4+2 Rondo

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Introduction:

This is a great rondo for a large number of players and for practising a quick transition between being in and out of possession. The setup can be adapted slightly if you have less / more players. Change the size of teams, number of neutral players or size of area. If you have an odd number of players in a team then instead of having the team providing the "bounce" players locked in the corners, one or more of them can operate on an edge as a mobile bounce player. This practice can easily become 3v3v3+1 or 5v5v5+2 or so on.

Setup:

• 22 x 14 yard rectangle with a triangle of cones in each corner (size of area to change depending on age / ability of players).
• 3 x teams of 4 players in different coloured bibs (whites vs pinks vs yellows below) plus two neutral players in a fourth colour of bib.
• In the middle of the rectangle we play 4v4 (whites vs yellow) plus the two neutral players (blue, below), who play for the team in possession, creating a 6v4 in the middle.
• The other team of 4 players (pinks) position themselves in the corners, so each corner has a player in. They also play for the team in possession.
• Coach with several footballs to the side

Basic Rules:

• The two teams of 4 in the middle try to keep possession for as long as possible.
• The two neutral players plays for the team in possession.
• The 4 corner players also play for the team in possession, so we have a 10v4 in essence.
• Corner players must stay in their corners, which are safe zones where they cannot be directly tackled. Central players can move around the rectangle and can be tackled.
• Corner players can pass to each other and to neutral players (adapt if it becomes too easy for one team to keep possession).
• If the opposition win possession back, they become the possession team and the other team become the defensive team.
• If the ball goes out, the coach sends a new one in, giving possession to whichever team didn't make the mistake and play starts again.
• Play for a set time (2 minutes) and then switch the team in the corners with one of the teams in the middle.
• Count total number of consecutive successful passes - the team with the most in 2 minutes are the winners. Reset to zero if the ball goes out or possession is lost.

Progressions / Variations:

• Change corner players to be edge players who can move up and down a particular side.
• Scoring can either be total consecutive passes or a point for a certain number of successful consecutive passes (i.e 8 passes = 1 point).
• Allow / disallow passes directly between the 4 corner players.
• Limit number of touches for the players.
• With odd numbers, adapt the number of neutral players or team sizes. E.g - 10 players, play 3v3v3+1 with 2 corners and one edge for the team sitting out to occupy. 11 players, 3v3v3+2 and so on...
• Allow a goalkeeper to catch the ball / roll it back to a teammate.

Coaching Points (FA's 4 Corners):

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