Coaching tools › Activities › Possession and passing

Timing Rondo

By Gabe Ramos · U.S. Soccer Coach Educator · Updated November 2026

A 12x12 rondo at one end of a 25x15, with a mini goal at the far end. After four passes, one attacker can run out of the square toward goal. A rondo that turns into a timed run and a finish.

Setup

A 12x12 rondo square at one end of a 25x15 with a mini goal at the far end. 5v2 in the square.

How it works

• After four passes, one attacker may run out of the square toward the goal.
• The runner may only be played when they leave; not before.
• Finish inside five seconds; one defender chases.

Scoring

A goal after four passes is two points.

Make it easier or harder

• Progression 1: The run must be made by the player who played the last pass.
• Progression 2: Add a defender waiting outside the square.

Coach’s notes

• If It Stalls: Runs going early? Any run before four passes gives the defenders a point.

Why it works

Teams can keep the ball nicely and still go nowhere. This connects keeping it with going forward. Four passes settle the game, then the run makes it dangerous.

The passer’s timing is the real test. A ball played when the runner has already arrived is too late.

Where it sits

This is activity 73 of 100 in 100 Possession Activities (Theme 8 · Timing of Runs and Playing Forward). The book is ten themes of ten rungs each, from a 3v1 square to a full 9v9 transition game, and every activity has its setup, rules, scoring, two progressions, three coaching points and an animated video like the one above.

All timing of runs drills ›

More like this

Ages 11+ · Possession and passingRun and Through

Pass into the target, run on the pass, finish the lay-off.

Open the activity ›Ages 11+ · Possession and passingBeat the Offside Line

Run behind the line on the pass, never before. Offside is called strictly.

Open the activity ›Ages 11+ · Possession and passingForward or Keep

Every forward pass past a defender scores. Going back is free.

Open the activity ›