4v4+3 Positional Rondo: Passing Between the Lines
A positional game across three zones: two teams of four and three neutral players, two on the end lines and one as a pivot in the middle zone. Teams score by moving the ball from one end to the other through the pivot, so players must find inside passing lanes and open their body to play between the lines.
How to play
- Mark a 30 x 20 m rectangle split into three zones, the middle one 10 m deep, and place a neutral on each end line and one in the middle zone (3 min).
- Explain the scoring: one point for connecting from one end neutral to the other; two if the pivot receives and plays forward first time (2 min).
- First half: team players get three touches and neutrals two (7 min).
- Stop: ask how the passing lane to the pivot opens and lay out the defenders' positions with cones on the ground (3 min).
- Second half: two touches for everyone and the team that wins the ball must make three passes before looking for the pivot (7 min).
- Swap neutrals and tally the final points per team (3 min).
Rules
- Neutrals always play for the team in possession.
- Only one defender may enter the middle zone to press the pivot.
- No tackles from behind; 50/50 balls are restarted by the team that did not foul.
- Neutrals rotate every seven minutes so everyone plays that role.
Variations
Easier
Unlimited touches for team players and no defender in the middle zone.
Standard
Three touches for team players, two for neutrals and one defender in the middle zone.
Harder
Two touches for everyone and the pivot plays one-touch.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays as an end-line neutral, receiving and passing without long runs.
- Autism: given a specific spot in the zone and a buddy who signals when to move.
- Partial visual impairment: high-contrast pinnies for neutrals and zones marked with colored tape.
Learning goals
- Find inside passing lanes to break pressing lines.
- Open the body to receive between the lines and play forward.
- Occupy space with width and depth.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 22
- balls: 6
Teacher tip
Ask a lot and explain little: let them discover that the pass to the pivot opens up when the wide players stretch the defenders.
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