The Rondo Circle Keep Away from Coach Alyssa Gagliardi is a great activity that can be used as a passing warm-up, or as an activity to improve overall awareness and passing with your head up. Rondos are popular activities in soccer and can be modified in a variety of ways depending on the skill level and the number of players you have on the ice. Read below to learn about the setup, coaching points & variations.

Setup

• Setup a group of 3 to 8 players around a circle.
• Start with 1 defender in the middle. After a few reps, progress to 2 defenders in the middle. 
• The goal is for the offensive players to keep possession, while the defender tries to take the puck. 
• If the defender steals the puck, they become a passer, and the person they stole the puck from goes in the middle.
• Count how many consecutive passes a team can get in a row. 
• Encourage players to cheer if they get the puck through the defender's legs!

Coaching Points

• Offensive players should keep their heads up to be aware of their teammates and the defender.
• Offensive players can work on deception (looking one way and passing another way).
• Defenders should keep their sticks on the ice at all times to block passing lanes.

Variations

• Can play with as little as 3 people around the circle or as many as 8.
• If players are skilled, you can require one touch passing, backhand passing, saucer passes, etc.
• Can play in different areas of the ice, not just around a circle.
• Can add 1 to 3 defenders.
• If offensive players are struggling connecting passes, coaches can have the defenders turn their sticks upside down.
• Can start a 2 on 1 if a pass is intercepted (view example).
• Learn 15 Rondo Variations and the Benefits of Adding Rondos to Practice.