Rondo: Foundation

Set up

Field

A 10 x 10 yard grid. Run more than one of them if the group is big enough.

Players

7 or more players. Three players on the edges of the grid: a centre back (4) and two full backs (2) and (3). A holding midfielder (6) works inside as the pivot. Two defenders press inside, and one more waits to rotate in.

Balls

The coach or a feeder supplies balls from the sideline.

How it runs

1. 1.The coach feeds a ball to the centre back (4) on the edge of the grid, and the two defenders press him there.
2. 2.The centre back plays along the edge to a full back (2) or (3), who has already moved to widen the angle rather than standing still.
3. 3.The holding midfielder (6) works inside the grid, moving off the defenders' line to show for a pass between them.
4. 4.A pass into the 6 and back out to an outside player is the point: the ball has gone through the middle rather than around it.
5. 5.If the defenders get a touch, or the ball leaves the grid, the coach feeds a new one to the outside player furthest from them.

After each rep

Rotate the defenders after two minutes of work, or once they have won the ball three times. The waiting player takes the place of the defender who comes out.

How to win

A point each time the ball is played into the 6 and returned to an outside player.