Rondo’s are now a generally accepted training practice at all levels and locations of the game. Believed to have been invented by Barcelona youth coach Laureano Ruiz, advanced by Johan Cruyff and lauded by Pep Guardiola, its roots are firmly planted in the Catalan capital. Now, they are commonplace throughout the football world, and it is difficult to find a training session that does not include some variation of the exercise.
Although the secret is in their simplicity, rondo’s have evolved greatly over the previous few years. They are now much more than a lighthearted way to begin a practice. This tactical analysis shows there are numerous ways in which they can be utilised. This tactical theory will explain the uses and limitations of rondos and offer three examples of rondos that can be used to work on various tactical situations.
Definition of a rondo
Rondos have certain traits that differentiate them from what some would call “possession games”. Typically, in a rondo, the in-possession team has an attacking overload, and their players are positioned in a somewhat fixed position. The area is usually greatly condensed, allowing for just one or two touches while being put under immediate pressure from a limited number of defenders.
The defending or pressing players usually have the opportunity to join or become the in-possession team should they intercept the ball. This can be used by coaches as subliminal motivation for possession-based teams – you lose the ball, you run. There are many variations of rondos, with countless set-ups and conditions or rules within set-ups, but these are the common themes they share.
Uses of Rondos
Rondo-like situations can occur all over the pitch, as the image above from Brighton against Everton shows, when three or more players are positioned in a small area. These players, angled towards each other, create a situation where another opens if the defending player cuts off one passing option. This positioning allows the players to bounce the ball off one another. These scenarios often have the effect of attracting defending players towards the ball. Teams can then escape to the space that has been created elsewhere.
The condensed areas rondos are usually conducted in and are designed to give players the skill set to be comfortable in these situations. Players must be on their toes, always expecting the ball, and be quick in their decision-making. With the ball coming from all directions, and not always cleanly, all parts of the foot will be used to keep from losing the ball. Often, coaches introduce a limit on the number of touches that can be used. This increases the intensity yet again and adds pressure to have a perfect first touch.
