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Category: Soccer Drills / Tactical Rondo Focus: Penetration, Playing through the Pivot (#6), Transition Players: 7 (5 Attackers vs 2 Defenders) Grid Size: 20×10 yards

The Switching Rondo 5v2 is more than just a possession warm-up; it is a positional game designed to teach players how to split defenders and utilize the Defensive Midfielder (the #6) to transition from back to front. This drill is essential for teams that want to master building out from the back and breaking defensive lines.

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Organization & Setup

Grid: Set up a rectangular grid, approximately 20×10 yards.
The Attackers (Possession Team): 5 Players arranged positionally:
- 1 Central Player (The #6/Pivot): Operates inside the grid.
- 2 End Players (The #9s/Targets): Positioned on the short boundary lines.
- 2 Wide Players (The #7 & #11/Wingers): Positioned on the long boundary lines.
The Defenders: 2 Players inside the grid.
Equipment: Large supply of balls (keep the flow high).

Instructions & Objective

The objective is to transition the ball from one End Player (#9) to the other End Player (#9) while maintaining possession against the two defenders.

Start: Play begins with one of the End Players.
Possession: The 5 attackers combine to move the ball to the opposite end line.
Transition: Once the ball reaches the opposite End Player, they immediately look to play back to the other side (the game is continuous/directional).
Defending: The 2 defenders attempt to intercept the ball. If they win it, they score a point.

Scoring System

This scoring system is designed to incentivize playing through the middle rather than safely playing around the outside.

1 Point (Attackers): Successful transfer from End-to-End without using the Central Player (#6).
5 Points (Attackers): Successful transfer from End-to-End involving the Central Player (#6).
1 Point (Defenders): Every interception or forced error.

Coaching Points

The success of this drill relies on strict adherence to positional roles.

1. The Central Pivot (#6)

Blind Side Movement: The #6 must constantly scan to find the “blind side” of the defenders (behind their shoulders).
Splitting the Defense: The primary goal is to find the passing lane between the two defenders to receive and turn.
Provide Depth: Don’t crowd the ball; offer a central outlet to link the play.

2. The Wide Players (#7 & #11)

Body Orientation: Crucial coaching detail. Players must stand “on the half-turn,” facing forward (the way they want to play). Do not face the sideline.
Support Play: Drop deep to draw defenders wide, which opens the central passing lane for the #6.
Transition Run: Once the Target (#9) receives the ball, the wide players must sprint down the line to offer immediate support for the return phase.

3. The End Players (#9s)

Penetration: Look to find the #6 early. Don’t settle for the easy pass if the split pass is on.
Secure Possession: When receiving the transition ball, hold it up and set the play for the next wave.

4. General Principles

Speed of Play: Quick, one-touch passing moves the defenders. Slow passing allows them to retain their shape.
Unbalancing the Defense: Use the width to stretch the defenders, then strike through the middle when the gap appears.