5v2 Switching Rondo

A high-tempo game of keep-away. Five players around the outside of a square keep the ball from two defenders in the middle, then switch it long to five teammates in the next square, and the defenders must sprint across and press again as a pair.

Setup:

• Two 14x14 yard squares about 15 yards apart.

• Five attackers around the outside of each square; two defenders start in the middle of the first square.

Execution:

• The attackers keep possession with one- and two-touch passing around and through the square.

• After a set number of passes (5 to 8), any attacker can play the long switch into the other square.

• The defenders sprint across and press the new square together.

• If a defender wins the ball, they swap with the attacker who lost it.

Coaching points:

• Open your body and check your shoulder before the ball arrives.

• Make the angle. Never stand in line behind a defender.

• Play the split pass through the two defenders whenever the gap opens.

• Defenders: press as a pair, one on the ball and one cutting the passing lane.

Progressions:

• Limit the attackers to one touch.

• Shrink the squares or add a third defender.

• Award a point for every split pass and every successful switch.