5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo
A 5v2 rondo (keep-away) to warm up with the ball: five players around the outside of a square keep possession while two in the middle try to win it. It builds passing, first touch and positioning, with gradual activation.
How to play
- Use cones to mark 10 x 10 meter (about 33 x 33 ft) squares and form groups of 7 (or 6 playing 4v2), one ball per group (1 min).
- Warm-up: free passing among all 7 inside the square while jogging (1.5 min).
- Five players spread out along the sides of the square and two defenders step into the middle (0.5 min).
- The outside players pass along the ground with a two-touch limit; the defenders pressure to touch the ball (3 min).
- If a defender touches the ball or it leaves the square, the player who lost it switches with the defender who has been in the longest (0.5 min).
- Challenge: count consecutive passes; 10 passes earn a point for the outside players (3 min).
- Switch to one touch for the last minute if the level allows (0.5 min).
Rules
- Passes always stay on the ground.
- Defenders win the ball without tackling from behind or sliding.
- Outside players may not step into the square.
- No defender stays in for more than 2 minutes in a row: switch even without a steal.
Variations
Easier
Unlimited touches and only one defender (5v1).
Standard
Two-touch limit with two defenders.
Harder
One-touch passing or a smaller 8 x 8 meter square.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a fixed neutral player in one corner who plays with the hands or receives on a shorter side.
- Fear of the ball or low skill: soft ball and extra touches allowed for that player.
- Shy or less skilled students: groups by ability so everyone succeeds at passing.
Learning goals
- Warm up with movement and ball actions.
- Improve passing accuracy and first touch.
- Move off the ball to create passing lanes.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is standing still in a corner; ask outside players to move so there's always a pass available. Keep spare balls next to each square.
PatioLab has "5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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