Rondo: Diamond 5v2

Set up

Field

A 20 x 10 yard grid, split across the middle into two 10 x 10 halves.

Players

9 or more players. Five in possession: a centre back (4) at the base, two full backs (2) and (3) wide, and a holding midfielder (6) at the tip, which is the diamond. A higher midfielder (8) starts in the far half. Two defenders press, and two more wait off the grid to rotate in.

Balls

Have the coach or a feeder supply balls from the sideline.

How it runs

1. 1.The coach feeds a ball to the centre back (4) in the near half, and both defenders press him there.
2. 2.The centre back plays wide to a full back, or into the holding midfielder (6), who moves off the defenders' line rather than standing in their shadow.
3. 3.The four in the near half keep the ball moving until both defenders have committed to one side of the grid.
4. 4.With the defenders pulled across, the ball goes into the far half to the higher midfielder (8). That is the point.
5. 5.The defenders shift over to press in the far half, the near players follow the ball to support the 8, and it goes back the other way.
6. 6.If the defenders win it or the ball leaves the grid, the coach feeds a new one to whoever is furthest from them and it starts again.

After each rep

Rotate the defenders every 2 min work interval while the possession group rests. Switch player roles after 1 set of 5 reps, using 2 min work periods and 1 min rest periods.

How to win

Use the scoring condition set by the coach; a typical option is to award 1 point each time the ball is switched from one grid to the other and possession is kept.