Mastering Tight-Space Play with Rondos: The 2v2+3 Rondo Drill

Rondos are a classic and highly effective training method in soccer, deeply rooted in street football where young players developed their skills in tight spaces with simple rules. Over time, this informal style evolved into a structured part of modern training, famously promoted by Johan Cruyff during his time as coach at FC Barcelona.

Everything that happens in a match, except shooting, can be trained with a rondo.

Johan Cruyff

Cruyff not only popularized the term “rondo” but also highlighted its importance for technical development, tactical understanding, and overall game intelligence. His philosophy emphasized that rondos train nearly every aspect of the game—ball control, awareness, positioning, and team coordination.

At its core, a rondo is a dynamic possession drill where one team maintains the ball while defenders try to win it back. The small playing area and fast pace force players to make quick decisions, adjust their positioning constantly, and communicate effectively.

But rondos are more than just keeping possession—they’re about rapid transitions, smart movement, and using space effectively to create numerical advantages. The drill encourages depth in play, precise passing, off-the-ball runs, and sharp tactical thinking.

Soccer Rondo Drill: 2v2 + 3 Rondo

In this version, “2 versus 2 plus 3”, the team in possession earns points by successfully switching play from one zone to the other. The challenge is to move the ball quickly and intelligently, using clever movement and support to bypass defenders. Once the ball is switched, the team must complete at least one pass on the new side before switching back.

The drill can be adjusted to match player ability—either by increasing or decreasing the field size and touch limits (usually one to two touches per player).

Key Coaching Points:

• Switch zones at maximum speed
• Find space and create passing options
• Maintain possession by creating overloads
• Use sharp, vertical or diagonal passes through gaps
• Incorporate “one-two-one” combinations via the central player