Rondos - Up Back Through + Progressions 1 + 2

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1
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Davies, J. (2015) Football Rondos. London: Inspire Football Publishing
@inspirethegame facebook.com/FootballRondoswww.Inspire.football
FOOTBALL RONDOS

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@inspirethegame facebook.com/FootballRondos
The 4 v 2 Rondo provides the foundation for the theory needed to
progress onto the ‘Up-Back-Through’ Rondo detailed in the remainder of
this presentation.
The size of the rondo and any of the possible conditions of play depend on the technical
ability and physical profile of your players. For the purposes of beginning the conversation,
the suggested dimensions have been proposed as 8x10 yards.
There are three types of pass in football and the terminology
given to these three passes often causes confusion. The original
terminology I learned when observing rondo theory was that of
‘first line pass’, ‘second line pass’ and ‘third line pass’.
• First Line Pass: any pass that takes place in front of the
opposition and does not bypass the opposition player.
• Second Line Pass: any pass that looks to go ‘around’ the
opposition
• Third Line Pass: any pass that goes through the opponent, a
split pass.
The purpose of the first line pass is to promote the conditions
for a third line pass opportunity. You should encourage the third
line pass as often as possible – this can be seen as a
‘penetration pass’ from a central defender to a striker who
might have dropped into a pocket of space for example.
The defenders should look to position themselves to block any
second line pass and ‘layer’ themselves so they could both
potentially intercept a third line pass as well as potentially
pressure any first line pass. The objective of the defenders is not
to tackle but to intercept.
Please use language you deem appropriate to paint the best
pictures for your players to build understanding.
2
Davies, J. (2015) Football Rondos. London: Inspire Football Publishing.
6 - 12
8-16
www.Inspire.football

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The attacking learning outcomes for this rondo include:
• body shape (opened up to be able to play the penetrative pass whenever possible)
• Three types of pass (prioritising)
• Tempocontroltomove theopponent(halfatouch–quicker,stoppingwiththesole –slowing)
• The creation of supporting angles and finding angles to receive or create penetration
• Pulling the opponent’s to be flat / square (removing ‘layers’)
• Pulling opponents wide / horizontally to find gaps
• Learning the principles of a diamond (as above)
If we consider this rondo to be positional specific then we can
think about the red team players as a central defender (at the
bottom of the image), a full back and a central midfielder either
side of the box and an advanced player at the top of the rondo
(a winger that may have dropped inside / a striker that has
dropped into a pocket and so on).
Some conditions / progressions / optional variations:
• Time: during a timed contest you may wish to tally up a point scoring
system that places more value to a third line pass than a second or
thirdlinepass.
• Points: you may wish to create a point scoring system (perhaps 10
pointsmeansthedefendersmustnowwintheballtwicetogetout…)
• Touches (to increase tempo and concentration): you may wish to
introducearulewherebypassAhastobeonetouchandpassBhasto
betwotouches(A,B,A,B,A….)
• Organisational: to increase values of team work in defending and
attacking, you should look to ensure BOTH defenders are rewarded
upon winning the ball and BOTH attackers are punished (the one who
lost the ball and the person who passed him the ball before). If you
include any transition / change then this should be done with speed
andaggressionasapriority–NOWALKINGORWAITING!Tempo!
• You may have this rondo functioning in a dual-directional manner
(North to South, the mirroring back) or freely directional. Preference is
takentoeventuallymasteringthedual-directionaldesign(purposeful).
• Passingsequence: onefirstlinepass(minimum)mustbemadebefore
athirdlinepass(toallowdefensiverecognition)
3

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The Up-Back-Through Rondo
This rondo moves on from the 4 vs. 2 rondo (principles of the diamond)
and looks at a number of different areas. Many of the same learning
outcomesstillstandfrombefore.
The objective is to get the ball from one end to the other end and back
again – over and over. You can only do this by playing into the receiving
area outlined in the centre of the possession box. Only the ‘striker’ is
allowed into the receiving area. The receiving area should be no bigger
than 6 yards in height (so that his marking defender can mark him and
preventhimfromplayingforwards).
The ideal scenario is for the ball to be played UP to the striker (who
cannot wait in the receiving zone and must only move into the zone
upon seeing a penetration opportunity), the striker will then set the ball
BACK to a player giving a supporting angle underneath and then it is
playedTHROUGHtothewingermakingadiagonalrunintothenextbox.
Once the ball has travelled to the other end (played into the target from
the winger that received the ball), the format is completely mirrored as
showninthefollowingimagesinthepresentation.
Perhaps specific to a 2-3-1 formation in 7-a-side but the principles are
more important than the formation. The language of UP-BACK-
THROUGH is to be understood through moving a CB out of his slot and
creatingspaceforawingertomakeadiagonalruninto
Right WingerLeft Winger
Goalkeeper / Central Defender
Right-sided
Defender
(RCB / RB)
Left-sided
Defender
(LCB / LB)
Striker
Central
Midfielder
Target (phase B)
Receiving Area / ‘the pocket’
4
Opposition Midfield Line
10-16
8-14
8-12
4-6

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The image shows the movements required to ensure the structure of
the rondo flows. Once the structure and format is understood by players
youcanthenbegintobringaboutpositionspecificlearningoutcomes.
The movement from the striker should look to fit into one of the
followingoptions:
• Checking into his defender before moving into the receiving channel
aspace(andother‘fake’doublemovements)
• Going behind the eye-line of his defender before racing in to the
receivingchanneluponlosingthedefendermomentarily.
Any time the striker moves into the receiving area and he does not get
the ball he should reset his movement and stretch the opposition
defence back again (creating the defensive line – midfield line space in a
game). Ensure the striker is moving into the receiving area at any
opportunity that the penetration pass (third or second line) can be
played.
If the striker can turn because the defender has not followed, then he is
encouragedtodoso.However,thedefendershouldfollowoutofhisslot
and then the UP-BACK-THROUGH can occur. The UP-BACK-THROUGH
should ideally be carried out all with one touch and therefore proper
technique should be taught here (body over ball, compact and tensed
bodystructure,toesupanklelockedetc.)
Wingers are to make the diagonal runs at pace and once they’ve
received the ball they should play to the target player at the end. Timing
ofthisrunisvital.
Right-sided
Defender
(RCB / RB)
Left-sided
Defender
(LCB / LB)
Striker
Central
Midfielder
Target (phase B)
5

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Once the ball has reached the target player, the rondo should completely
mirror itself and the scenario is repeated. The rondo now flips and is
carriedoutintheotherdirection.
The pace at which full backs should sprint out to their wing positions
should be encouraged with intensity, as with the nearest defender (or
rotational)sprintingintothesecondboxtobecometheseconddefender.
If you are carrying out position specific learning, then you can have the
strikerandcentralmidfielderrotatepositionsuponthethroughball.
The CM’s positioning and receiving shape is an area where coaches
should pay attention to: can he play forwards? Can he create space for
otherstoplayforwards?Etc.
Communication is a vital theme throughout these structures. The coach
shouldemphasis‘Up-Back-Through’untilplayerstakeovervocally
Conditions/ManagementIdeas:
• Organisational: you can have this rondo either timed before positions
are changed or placed on a point scoring system (whoever the
defender wins the ball off of on his third interception of the ball for
example). You may wish to reward the attacking team and again
create a point scoring system for reaching their target that punishes
thedefenders(bystayinginagain)
• Intensity: playersarechanged into defenders if athird reminderabout
intensityofaction(sprintingtonewposition)
• Encourageuseofcentralmidfielderoncebeforeoptiontopenetrateis
available
Left WingerRight Winger
Target
Right-sided
Defender
(RCB / RB)
Left-sided
Defender
(LCB / LB)CM
Striker
GK / CB
6

The Up-Back-Through Rondo Continuous Cycle
7

@inspirethegame facebook.com/FootballRondos 7
VISIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p22FnMLUU80
FOR AN ANIMATED VISUAL OF THIS RONDO

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WEAK SIDE FULL
BACK RONDO

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PLUG IN / ADD-ON ONE: WEAKSIDE FULL BACK

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VISIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8B4sZSY3ws
FOR MATCH VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE WEAK-SIDE FULL
BACK MOVEMENT HIGHLIGHTED IN THIS RONDO

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Goalkeeper / Central Defenders
Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
This rondo is an ADD-ON to the Up-Back-Through
Rondo as detailed last week (19th November 2015)
on www.inspire.football. It is absolutely imperative
that the previous rondo is carried out before
plugging in this progression.
In this rondo the Up-Back-Through option takes
priority as option one. However, a condition has now
been added to encourage the weak-side full back
movements as shown in related video.
Condition: anytime the number 4 (deep lying
controller) receives the ball AND he can turn out,
then the weak side winger should make a run behind
the opposition midfield line and the weak side wing
back should overlap.
The objective of the rondo is the same, to go from
GK/CB to the GK/CB on the other side via one of the
two options outlined. Once the ball reaches the
other GK/CB, there must be one horizontal pass
before the objective is reset (to allow for
reorganisation).

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Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
The positioning of the number 4 should be
encouraged to be behind or at an angle through the
two opponents (‘the diagonal pocket’). Number 4’s
body shape should allow for the ball to roll across the
front of him upon receiving the ball (rather than
taking two touches to turn with the ball).
The side with the ball is the strong side. The side
without the ball is the weak side)

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Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
The positioning of the number 4 should be
encouraged to be behind or at an angle through the
two opponents (‘the diagonal pocket’). Number 4’s
body shape should allow for the ball to roll across the
front of him upon receiving the ball (rather than
taking two touches to turn with the ball).
The side with the ball is the strong side. The side
without the ball is the weak side)
Strong
side
Weak
side

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Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
4
If the number 4 can receive the ball cleanly AND can
turn out, then the movements are initiated. Should
players not make the movements in time, then it is
number 4’s responsibility to ensure the ball is kept
moving (played back to CB’s perhaps) and the rondo
does not come to a stop.

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RW
Left Winger
RB
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
Target (phase B)
4
The aggression in the winger’s movement should be
directed behind the opposition’s midfield line inside
the field (into the ‘half space’ / ‘inside channel’ –
should we split the field into five vertical corridors).
Eventually there should be a progression that
promotes this pass into the winger who has made his
movement inside.

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RW
Left Winger
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
Target (phase B)
RB
4
The ball is then played over/around/through to the
overlapping weak-side full back. You can add in
interference along the opposition midfield line in the
form of dynamic or static objects (players,
mannequins or poles etc).
The full back should then complete the objective and
play the ball into the target player at the end.

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LW
RB
RW
Striker
GK or CB
LB
4
GK or CB
The rondo is then mirrored in the opposite direction.
The players are to move as shown with the arrows.
The target player who receives the ball MUST play
one horizontal pass (to a deep full back or to his new
partner on the end line) before the team can seek
any Up-Back-Through or Weak-side Full back
opportunities to get to the new target.

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LW
RB
RW
Striker
GK or CB
LB
4
GK or CB
Previously the
overlapping RB
Previously the RW
who ran inside
Previously the LB
Previously the LW
Previously the Striker
Previously the CB/GK
Opposition Midfield Line This image shows the previous positions of the
players who have now taken up their new positions
(at speed to encourage intensity of thought and
action).

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A
B
D
D
D
A
C
B
BReceiving Area / ‘the pocket’
E
B
Opposition Midfield Line Player A = GK/CB
Player B = Full back / Wingers
Player C = Number 4 (specialist role)
Player D = Opposition Defenders (strikers/CB)
Player E = Striker/CB (depending on phase of rondo)

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OUT-IN-OUT RONDO

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PLUG ON / ADD-ON TWO

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Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
This rondo is an ADD-ON to the Up-Back-Through
Rondo as detailed last week (19th November 2015)
AND weak-side full back rondo (26th November 2015)
on www.inspire.football. It is absolutely imperative
that the previous rondos are carried out before
plugging in this progression.
In this rondo the Up-Back-Through option takes
priority as option one. However, a condition has now
been added to encourage the weak-side full back
movements and/or OUT-IN-OUT movements as
detailed in this rondo.
Condition: anytime there is a clear passing line
through to a winger in the marked out zones in the
image to the left, the winger can race into this area
to receive the ball. The ball will be played OUT to the
winger, back IN to a supporting player facing
forwards and then OUT to the overlapping full back.
The objective of the rondo is the same, to go from
GK/CB to the GK/CB on the other side via one of the
two options outlined. Once the ball reaches the
other GK/CB, there must be one horizontal pass
before the objective is reset (to allow for
reorganisation).

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Right Winger
Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
Upon the opportunity opening itself up, the winger
with a clear line of pass is able to make his
movement into the marked out area to receive the
ball for an OUT-IN-OUT movement.
In the game, the winger who moves inside will take
with him his marking opponent and therefore
freeing up space for the full back to overlap.
Left Winger
OUT

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Right Winger
Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
Left Winger
When and ONLY when the winger who has dropped
into the wide receiving area can play back to a
forward facing supporting player, should the relevant
full-back overlap with pace.
If no supporting player is immediately on, then the
ball should be played back to any player and the
rondo recycles and resets.
IN

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Right Winger
Right-sided
Defender (RB)
Left-sided
Defender (LB)
Striker
4
Target (phase B)
14-16
8-14
8-12
4-6
If support is available and the option to playing OUT-
IN-OUT is available, the full back then commits to an
overlap at pace.
The ball is then played to the opposite target for the
rondo to continue and mirror itself in the opposite
direction
OUT

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LW
RB
RW
Striker
GK or CB
LB
4
GK or CB
The rondo is then mirrored in the opposite direction.
The players are to move as shown with the arrows.
The target player who receives the ball MUST play
one horizontal pass (to a deep full back or to his new
partner on the end line) before the team can seek
any Up-Back-Through or Weak-side Full back or OUT-
IN-OUT opportunities to get to the new target.

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LW
RB
RW
Striker
GK or CB
LB
4
GK or CB
Previously the RW
Previously the RB
Previously the LW that
moved inside to receive
the OUT-IN-OUT
Previously the
overlapping LB
Previously the Striker
Previously the CB/GK
Opposition Midfield Line This image shows the previous positions of the
players who have now taken up their new positions
(at speed to encourage intensity of thought and
action).

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A
B
D
D
D
A
C
B
BReceiving Area / ‘the pocket’
E
B
Opposition Midfield Line Player A = GK/CB
Player B = Full back / Wingers
Player C = Number 4 (specialist role)
Player D = Opposition Defenders (strikers/CB)
Player E = Striker/CB (depending on phase of rondo)
OPTION 1 – UP-BACK-THROUGH
OPTION 2.A – WEAK-SIDE FB
OPTION 2.B – OUT-IN-OUT

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Content created by Jed Davies (@TPiMBW)
ABOUT RONDOS
Spain, Barcelona and Pep Guardiola have brought about a world-wide
recognition for rondos in the last decade and in most nations, our
possession box games shrunk overnight.
Unfortunately, possession box games have also become a neglected time
in our sessions, often un-coached and without many learning objectives.
The objective of the rondos presentations delivered by inspire football
coach education (UK) is to highlight potential learning opportunities in this
training methodology and format.
Kieran Smith will deliver a webinar for Inspire on rondos and give his first
hand account and insight into how ideas can be implemented through
rondos (Kieran Smith is a former AD Alcorcon coach 2014-15, who would
play fixtures against many of Spain’s biggest clubs such as Real Madrid).
I owe the foundations of my knowledge to a coach I worked alongside at
the University of Oxford (2013-14) called Jon Collins (who was writing a
PhD in Spanish training methodology at the time). Jon Collins opened my
eyes to the hundreds of details that turn rondos into a truly valuable
education tool.
Some months before beginning my work at the University of Oxford I was
fortunate enough to undertake study visits to clubs such as Barcelona,
Villarreal, Swansea, Liverpool and others. All the rondos that will be
detailed each Thursday for Inspire (www.inspire.football) have been
created with a heavy influence from those I’ve observed before.
Positional rondos, rondos that look to educate the languages of the game,
rondos that promote specific principles (overloading, penetration,
movement, the responses in transition etc) and much more will form the
majority of the theoretical content in these presentations.
My sole objective is to promote multi-directional possession box formats
(rondos) as valuable tools for player education. I do not believe that
rondos serve a purpose to imitate the playing style or the training
methodology of Spain or Barcelona.
Barcelona youth academy graduates spend around 20% of all contact hours
training in rondos (referenced in the book ‘Coaching the Tiki-Taka Style of
Play’, pg. 34). The La Masia graduates may have spent 1,000 hours in
rondos, but they’ve done so in a very specific type of rondo, specific to the
Barcelona playing style.
Please share these presentations freely and use your Thursdays
wisely! Visit www.inspire.football
To reference this work please use the following wording in the references section of your work:

Rondos - Up Back Through + Progressions 1 + 2

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