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Rondo to progress

Rondo to progress (core) — U15-U16

Keep the ball under pressure, then find the free player. Timed phases for a 75-minute U15-U16 session.

U15-U16 Whole–Part–Whole Advanced 65 mins 12–18 players Match intensity Possession Passing & receiving
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Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Arrival linked to Rondo to progress

8:00

Ball-each or light rondo that previews rondo to progress. Raise intensity gradually.

Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.

Coaching points
  • On toes, scan early.
  • Quality first touch under light pressure.
  • Compete with a smile.
Progressions
  • Add a second ball or time pressure.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, fewer touch limits.
Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Rondo to progress

18:00

Directional game with a clear condition that makes rondo to progress the easiest path to success.

Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when rondo to progress is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early, stay compact.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral pivot / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins

Part practice — Rondo to progress

18:00

Isolated repetition of the key action for rondo to progress, then rebuild toward the game picture.

Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.

Coaching points
  • Detail the technique before adding speed.
  • Disguise intentions where possible.
  • Recover shape after each action.
Progressions
  • Live defender / timed finishing.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Rondo to progress

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.

Coaching points
  • Can we transfer tonight’s theme without the condition?
  • Communicate the next action early.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Plenary review

5:00

Players answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Player voice first.
  • Link to upcoming fixture if relevant.

Related drills

Drill 123

Rondo + “Burst Move” (15 mins) Setup: grid (10x10m) 2 defenders in the middle, rest on outside 1 ball How it works: Outside players keep possession using one or two touches. As soon as a player passes, they must immediately “burst” into a new space around the edge (not just shuffle sideways), before their foot lands. Next receiver fills the empty spot, creating a constant flow. Coaching Points: Focus on receiving with the back foot, head up. Pass and move with urgency—don’t watch your pass! “Burst” movement—push off the standing foot as the pass is played. Call out “NAME!” every time you pass. Progression: Add a second ball for more challenge. Limit to one-touch passes if appropriate.

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Drill 173

Game: 7v7 (half vs Half) ATT – To Score you must pass the ball across the centre line and score within 2 touches! Progression 1: ATT now dribble through across center line before passing to score Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 30 min.

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Drill 148

Game: 9v9 ATT – To Score you must pass the ball from one square to another Without losing control or possession DEF – Must stop the IP team Progression 1: ATT now dribble through grid Progression 2: ATT now pass the ball through both squares without losing possession Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 15 min.

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Drill 166

Game: 5v5 (half vs Half) ATT – To Score you must pass the ball through the centre square and it must be received by your teammate – and controlled! DEF – Must protect the centre square GK – Is GK on each side of the square sidestepping to cover all sides as ball moves. Progression 1: ATT now dribble through grid Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 15/20 min.

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