Tactical Objectives or Extended Warm-Ups? How to Create Better Rondos
Are your rondos actually improving your team tactically, or are they simply an extension of your warm-up? Rondos are fantastic tools for developing technical quality, intensity, and engagement, but how much of that work transfers into the game?
In this week's MSC Breakdown, we explore the difference between activation rondos and tactical rondos, looking at how coaches can design exercises that reflect specific game situations. From progressing through midfield to counterattacking and building against pressure, the key is aligning the design of the exercise with the tactical objective.
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Check out the video below for a breakdown of four tactical rondos, with practical examples of how to connect possession work to realistic game situations.
Exercise 1: 5v2 – Central Midfield Progression
A positional rondo designed around the relationships between central midfield players (6, 8, and 10). Players create a diamond structure, combine centrally, and look to transfer possession vertically into the next area. Supporting movements after the transfer are essential to maintaining possession and progressing the ball.
Objective: Central progression, midfield relationships, and supporting movements.
Exercise 2: 4v2 – Roger Schmidt Transition Rondo
A transition-focused rondo where defenders work to regain possession in a 4v2 before immediately finding a forward outlet. Two midfield players then join the attack to create an overload and finish quickly. The exercise connects defensive pressing with positive attacking transitions.
Objective: Regaining possession, forward passing, and attacking overloads.
Exercise 3: 6v3 – Drawing Pressure to Play Wide
A central possession game where six attackers work against three defenders, looking to attract pressure and create opportunities to release wide players. Once possession is transferred outside, supporting attackers move forward to exploit the space and create a goalscoring opportunity.
Objective: Attracting central pressure, switching play, and exploiting wide areas.
Exercise 4: 5v3 – Building Against the Press
A build-up rondo designed to replicate playing through opposition pressure. Five players combine against three pressing defenders before finding an outlet in a higher wide area. Once possession reaches the wide player, the exercise transitions into an attacking phase with opportunities to dribble forward and finish on goal.
Objective: Playing through pressure, finding forward outlets, and connecting build-up play to finishing.
The challenge for coaches isn't simply to make rondos more complicated. It's to ensure that the movements, decisions, spaces, and outcomes reflect what we want players to achieve on matchday.
