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midfield DRILLS
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3 Style Shooting

Set up 3 cones (or poles) spaced as shown in the diagram. Have a mannequin positioned on either side of the middle, just before the penalty box. Have a Player positioned on the backline to the left side in the penalty box with a ball. Have another Player (W) positioned out wide to the right side with a ball. A Player starts halfway between the centre circle and goal; dribbles the ball around the cones and in between the mannequins to take a shot. After first shot, Player quickly moves around the left hand mannequin and gets a cross from the wide player. Then the Player recovers around the right hand mannequin to receive the ball from the player on the goal line. Rotate the players around ever play (shooter > winger > backline player > shooter line)

Shooting

Defending the Midfield

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Defensive Unit Work

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players. Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yards Opposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game. Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked "1" and then in the goals marked "2"). Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals. The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

Defending

Diamond formation practice

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue. Set up in the formation: 2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK. The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options. Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

Defending

Diamond Midfield Channelling

Red team vs Blue team. Set up a diamond midfield formation 2 strikers, 4 midfield, 4 defenders. Set up cones as shown on the diagram (3 sets of cones. 2 pairs before the top of the diamond numbered "1", one pair of cones lower down in the middle of the diamond numbered "2") Works on the Defence channelling the ball into certain areas. The 2 red team strikers try to stop the blue team from playing the ball through either of the "1" cones, so that play is encouraged into a central area (top of the diamond). Once the blue player with the ball has reached the top of the diamond, players will looks to direct him outside of the "2" cones and into wide areas (occupied by the 2 red wide midfielders). Red fullbacks need to recognise where the ball is going and move into an advanced wide position to put pressure on opposition's wide players. By doing this the red team are attempting to dictate how the ball moves. Play for half an hour.

Defending

Overloading

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. The defending zone and attacking zone have 2 defenders and 2 attackers in each zone. The midfield channel has 2 neutral (no.10) players inside. The defenders receive the ball from the goalkeeper and play through to one of the neutral midfield players (with the attacking players trying to stop this). The neutral players then play into the attacking players and join the attacking zone to create a 3v2 overload. Try to score in the opposition goal. Progression 1: Neutral players are split iinto one player for each team (i.e. one becomes blue, one red). These players are unnoposed to begin with in the central channel (but this makes only one midfield player to play into from the defensive zone). Progression 2: Central zone players become opposed (i.e. the opposition midfield player can intercetpt etc). The ball can be set back from the midfield players into the defensive players to play through into the attacking zone. Progression 3: The midfield players can drop into the defensive zone to make a 3v2 overload.

Conditioned games

Playing From The Back

Play 5 v 5 +1 goalkeeper at each end. Only defending players and goalkeepers are allowed in the end zones. The game is started by the coach playing the ball into an end zone. The object of the game is for the team to score with a shot on the opposite goal. A defensive player receives the ball from the goalkeeper at the top of the diagram. The defenders must attempt to pass the ball around the area until an opportunity arises to play the ball forward to the lone striker. Defenders and midfield players must then push forward toward the opposing goal line in support of the attack. Defenders and midfield players should retain position until they are able to play the ball forward without fear of losing possession.

Defending

Power Shot 1

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 1 in each large area, plus a goalkeeper. The 3 blue players combine to dribble the ball past the lone white defender into the midfield area then shoot on the goal. The lone blue player in the other area follows up on rebounds from the goalkeeper. Repeat in the opposite direction. Rotate positions. Progressions:1. The lone defender can track the attacking player into the midfield area in an attempt to pressure the attacker or block the shot.2. Change the ratio of attackers to defenders to 3 v 2.

Shooting

Quick deep pass - Outnumber the defenders

Working on playing a quick pass to the deepest player on your team. Using the route one pass to quickly outnumber the opposition's defence. After receiving the hard pass from the midfield player (red 3) the players should try to shake off the defender before then deciding to either play the pass to one of their team-mates or going it alone. Finish the drill with an attempt at goal.

Passing and Receiving

Diamond Midfield Channelling D...

Red team vs Blue team.Set up a diamond midfield formation2 strikers, 4 midfield, 4 defenders.Set up cones as shown on the diagram(3 sets of cones. 2 pairs before the top of the diamond numbered &quot;1&quot;, one pair of cones lower down in the middle of the diamond numbered &quot;2&quot;)Works on the Defence channelling the ball into certain areas.The 2 red team strikers try to stop the blue team from playing the ball through either of the &quot;1&quot; cones, so that play is encouraged into a central area (top of the diamond).Once the blue player with the ball has reached the top of the diamond, players will looks to direct him <em>outside</em> of the &quot;2&quot; cones and into wide areas (occupied by the 2 red wide midfielders).Red fullbacks need to recognise where the ball is going and move into an advanced wide position to put pressure on opposition's wide players.By doing this the red team are attempting to dictate how the ball moves.Play for half an hour.

General

Creating Space in the Midfield

General

Defending the Midfield Defendi...

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

General

Overloading to push up Conditi...

The pitch is split into 3 thirds with 2 defenders in the defending third, 2 midfielders in the middle third and 1 attacker in the attacking third. The ball starts with one of the goalkeepers who plays the ball into one of the defenders. The defenders play a 2v1 against the oppositions attacking player (3v1 if you include the goalkeeper) with the objective of trying to get the ball into one of the midfield players. Once this occurs, the defender who has not passed the ball into the midfield area can go and join the middle third to create a 3v2 situation. The midfield players then try to play the ball into the attacker placed inside the attacking third. ONe of the non-passing midfielders can then enter the attacking third to create a 2v2. Then the attackers try to score against the opposition. Once the ball goes dead, into the goal or is regained by the opposition, the same scenario occurs with the other team in possession and the defending team must retreat to their defensive zones.

General

Overloading Conditioned games ...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. The defending zone and attacking zone have 2 defenders and 2 attackers in each zone. The midfield channel has 2 neutral (no.10) players inside. The defenders receive the ball from the goalkeeper and play through to one of the neutral midfield players (with the attacking players trying to stop this). The neutral players then play into the attacking players and join the attacking zone to create a 3v2 overload. Try to score in the opposition goal. Progression 1: Neutral players are split iinto one player for each team (i.e. one becomes blue, one red). These players are unnoposed to begin with in the central channel (but this makes only one midfield player to play into from the defensive zone).Progression 2: Central zone players become opposed (i.e. the opposition midfield player can intercetpt etc). The ball can be set back from the midfield players into the defensive players to play through into the attacking zone. Progression 3: The midfield players can drop into the defensive zone to make a 3v2 overload.

General

Overloading attack Conditioned...

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel. 2 defenders in the defending zone, 1 midfielder in the middle zone and 2 attackers in the attacking zone. Again, the non passing defender enters the midfield zone to create an overload. Either player located in the midfield zone can then enter the attacking zone to create another overload.

General

Defensive Unit Work Defending ...

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players.Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yardsOpposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game.Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked &quot;1&quot; and then in the goals marked &quot;2&quot;).Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals.The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

General

Diamond formation practice Def...

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue.Set up in the formation:2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK.The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options.Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

General

Power Shot 1 Shooting - Footba...

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 1 in each large area, plus a goalkeeper.The 3 blue players combine to dribble the ball past the lone white defender into the midfield area then shoot on the goal. The lone blue player in the other area follows up on rebounds from the goalkeeper. Repeat in the opposite direction. Rotate positions.Progressions:<br>1. The lone defender can track the attacking player into the midfield area in an attempt to pressure the attacker or block the shot.<br>2. Change the ratio of attackers to defenders to 3 v 2.

General

Pac Man Conditioned games - Fo...

This is an initial pulse raiser to get players focus; physically prepared for the session.Mark out a 20 x 20 grid with cones every 10m.On each line of the grid put a piece of equipment (poles, ladders, hurdles, cones).Put 2 players into bibs (pac men) and everyone else starts spread out next to cone.You can only move alone the lines from cone - cone. If a player comes to a piece of equipment they need to go through it efficiently.If you are caught then you're out or can join the pac men chasing.Introduce balls after a couple of games, where players can take turns to enter skill zone with ball, perform skill; pass to partner (swap).

General

Directional Possession Passing...

Objective: Maintain possession by changing direction of the play.Detail:Adapt area above to 50 x 30.Squad practice - 16 players.Players are organised into 2 teams 5v5 2 in own half GK.Objective is to get the ball into the GK's hands in opposite half.Midfield player joins in opposite half to make 3v3. 2 attackers and 2v2 in opposite half.Attacking shape of defenders.Midfield player linking and support.Timing of movement.Angles and distances of support.Body shape.Combinations.

General

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midfield SESSIONS
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Counter Attacking from Midfiel...

Beat the opposition on the break by attacking at pace and exploiting the space on the counter-attack. Work on the timing and control when finishing to end it with a goal.

Exploiting space in midfield |...

Develop intelligent midfielders to be able to recognise space and exploit it with good vision and technique to make a pass in the middle of the park.

Playing through the thirds

The modern style of football encourages teams to get the ball down and pass into the guts of the pressing team to break the lines and move the ball up the field through each third.

Introducing the Overlap - Overlapping Attack!

Create the extra man with the attacking overlap - a fluid and attacking style of passing football for all players - defence, midfield or strikers

Improving body positioning and shaping of runs

Keep the attacking fire burning and get your players opening up their body, thinking about their first touch and angling their runs up field

Working as a Defensive Unit

Drum in the defensive roles and responsibilities of your players and make sure they understand what you want from them in order to win the ball back and turn defence into attack.

Supporting front players in the final third

Play with the ball in the final third. Create sustained attacking pressure by working on the timing of runs and developing the players passing skills.

Fitness Football

Every position demands different attributes and levels of physicality, so why don?t you train your players differently to match!? Use this session to condition your players to suit their position.

Attacking Transition In Midfield

To improve counter attacking abilities/decision making when winning the ball back in midfield

Defending the Long Ball

Don't let route one football be the downfall of your defence! Use this plan to practice how to move and defend against the ball over the top.

Build Up Play

Build attacks with patience and get the ball into feet. Allow your players to recognise the value of good build-up play and make sure they understand the positioning and type of passes to make with this technical session.

Passing & Control - Movements of Att & Mid Players

Create space in the midfield and up top and have players play in the hole and off the shoulder ready to create an attack.

Developing Movement On & Off the Ball

Creating space is a fine art. A midfielder is only as good as they are at finding space. Produce players who are totally at ease with finding the space and taking the ball.

Turning Under Pressure

Create attacks by playing short, getting your midfield players on the ball and seeing them turn to distribute passes up to your forwards.

Prevent Opponents Playing Through Midfield

Sometimes you have to play negatively. If their midfield gets on top of you, it’s time to break it down and stop them playing.

Creating Space in the Midfield...

Develop your players understanding of space and how their movement (or even lack of at times) can create space to play in the midfield.
midfield ANSWERS
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How does one create width during a match?

How does one create width during a match?

Archived User Coach

I am still looking for an answer to my question regarding movement of forwards and center midfielders. I know that there is someone smart about soccer that can help me with this. Thanks

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

I can not get my midfield to be combatative and stop?

I can not get my midfield to be combatative and stop the ball watching, Technically they are a strong unit,just switch off too much ??

Simon Neu Ville Coach, England

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving?

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving from 7-a-side to 11-a-side. What should I practice with them to help this transition?

Archived User Coach

Level 2 Coaching - Key themes for my midfield?

Question submitted by email%3A Hello, I am currently doing my level 2 for football coaching and have been asked by my coaches to present four consecutive training sessions. The area I would like to focus on would be midfield progressive sessions and I would be looking for key themes, practice activities and key learning factors. I'm sure you would agree that this depends on the tactics your team implements (for isntance, many people today are big fans of the 4-3-3 or the 4-4-2, though I'm a fan of the 4-2-3-1 formation). So, what would you recommend as key areas to work on with my midfield, and that could be progressed over the course of the four consecutive trainings?

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

How to maintain our midfield formation?

iam coaching under 16s boys soccer and we keep losing our shape paticulary in mid field and this is where i want to control the game from but there always seem to be no one marking up when there is a quick change of possion

Archived User Coach

How can i fix this?

My senior lads, have the best ability and understand the basics of team play in training, but on the pitch they panic and try to get the ball to strikers as quick as they can. This stops our midfield attacking. we only play a 4-5-1 so we should be strong in the midfield but they just seem to be defending all the time. How can i fix this?

Archived User Coach

where on the field can I play a slow player

where on the field can I play a slow player

Archived User Coach

Looking for mini-soccer 7-a-side formation ideas...

Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers

Archived User Coach

How to encourage position discipline (U12's 9 a side)

I have a fantastic group of U12's (9 a side), who I encourage to play with the ball on the floor, quick passing football. We are a very attacking minded team, but that is our weakness - we need to remember that we do not have 8 strikers.Does anybody have any drills or tips for making sure that midfielders remember midfield?

Archived User Coach

Best way to defend against a speedy forward?

Hello,I regularly play a team that has a speed forward with a good shot. I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has had success limiting these types of players. He is probably a step or 2 faster than my normal defenders. Regularly racks up goals by being one of the fastest players in the league.In the past we have tried a 4-4-1 with a man mark. Sticking a speed guy on him the full game. It has slowed him down but also limited us on offense. We lost each game by a goal.I was also thinking about using a 5-4-1 formation with more defenders to cut down on thru ball lanes for him.Any other thoughts?ThanksChad

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Beating a high press from a goal kick 9 aside football

Could anybody provide me with any drills to beat a high press from the opposition when we are taking a goal kick, during a under 11 9 aside game. The team is a developing side with very mixed abilities. Our goalies cannot kick the ball far which leads us to lose possession around the 18 yard box.Any ideas would be much appreciated?

r webster Coach, England

Midfield Shape Missing

My teams midfield always loses its shape in the second half Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Alan Zelli Coach, England

I have no natural strikers help!

So I have no out and out strikers this year at U16 level and we have scored one goal in 3 games and that was a penalty any ideas on formations and drills to encourage attacking football from the midfield?

Chris Eagles Coach, England

Defending again fast breaks

I've got a team of young women (12-13 year old) several of whom only played last season for the first time.Our first season last year was pretty good given they're young inexperienced and we rarely had subs. One area that always gets us is fast strikers getting in and behind our defense from quite a way up the field–75% of our goals are conceded that way.So any thoughts on training the team to not allow so many of these goals? TIA!

John Allsopp Coach, Australia

moving defence and midfield up as a unit

having issues with defence and midfield moving forward together when attacking any session out there to help . thanks

football first Coach, England

How to maintain our midfield f...

iam coaching under 16s boys soccer and we keep losing our shape paticulary in mid field and this is where i want to control the game from but there always seem to be no one marking up when there is a quick change of possion

Archived User Coach

Midfield cannot / will not win...

My team has just moved up to youth football 11 aside. Our defence is solid and our forwards skillfull and quick but we seem unable to win the ball in midfield. Our midfielders watch what is happening hoping the opposition midfielder will mess up, rather than attacking the ball. Encouragement from the sidelines does not seem to help. Can you suggest some training drills.

Archived User Coach

How to encourage position disc...

I have a fantastic group of U12's (9 a side), who I encourage to play with the ball on the floor, quick passing football. We are a very attacking minded team, but that is our weakness - we need to remember that we do not have 8 strikers.Does anybody have any drills or tips for making sure that midfielders remember midfield?

Archived User Coach

where on the field can I play ...

where on the field can I play a slow player

Archived User Coach

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