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midfielder 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

Dealing with the Backpass

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box. Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team. As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in. Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken. If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away. Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

Goalkeeping

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 attack

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.

Conditioned games

Overloading to push up

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.

Conditioned games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playing From The Back Defendin...

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.

General

midfielder 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.

Prevent Opponents Playing Thro...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Building Possession in Midfield

Develop the skills & attributes to build possession from central areas and move the ball forward when opportunities arise.

Position Specific Crossing

Improve your team's crossing game - From defensive clearances to scoring goals - working on all positions from defence to attack!

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.
midfielder ANSWERS
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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

Midfield cannot / will not win the ball ?

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

My forwards are not scoring goals.

My forwards are not scoring goals. and i spend half of my sessions on finishing drills. What can i do about this?

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 do you play a 4-2-3-1 formation?

wish to change my team shape has been said best formation to understand is a 4231 shape

Archived User Coach

9 a side formations and teaching offside

I run an under 11's team and wondered what formation is best for 9v9. Also any good drills for both attacking and defending regards to off sides

Archived User Coach

How can I improve defensive shape after a failed press?

With my U16 team, I often like to use high presses throughout matches and have scored a number of goals as a result. The problem is, often the triggers are only recognised by a few of the players, leading to a failed press. Obviously I will have to work with them on recognising press triggers, however how can I help improve the overall team shape after a press has failed? For example, say 3 players; a left midfielder, centre midfielder and centre forward in a 4-3-3 have attempted a press in the opposition's right back position. The press has failed and now the team is 3 players short and facing a counter attack.

Ben Lowry Coach, England

Teaching a player a different position

Hi I am a novice coach but have an excellent left midfielder who needs to learn another position- any suggestions on which position and how I go about it? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Marieke Zieleman Coach, New Zealand

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

Moving from 7v7 to 9v9

Hi has anyone got any advice on drills to help with the transition of 7v7 to 9v9 ? also what are your preferred formations please ? thanks

Mathew Coach, England

Attacking and recovering with midfielders

When my team attacks the near the opposing teams 18 box, we always seem to give the ball away to the other team and my midfield is never covered adequately. What is the best way to balance trying to attack but still maintaining shape from a defensive standpoint?

Hunter Williams Coach, United States of America

4-3-3 and U23s - basic coaching methodology

I'm coaching a u23 development squad and due to the nature of them bringing eligibility rules this year, we have a squad of variable quality. Any tips/drill/s plans around effectively coaching 433 would be awesome.

Daniel Rock Coach, New Zealand

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

Training sessions for 3 people

Greetings.Me and 2 friends of mine are trying to improve overall at football. I've seen a couple of training drills on the site, and we started doing them. Any suggestions for training drills? We're amatuers both physically and skill wise. For referrence: 1 of us is a Center back, 1 is a Right Back and I play as Central Midfielder. Also, any specific drills for stamina and ball control improvement.Thanks.

Tatashi Coach, Greece

midfielder drill

how can i sketch the session plan for midfielder drill?

Nompumelelo Madondo Coach, United Kingdom

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

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

I can not get my midfield to b...

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

How can i fix this? | Sportpla...

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

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