Midfield magic

This session links midfield interplay with supporting strikers and other forward-minded players. This progressive attacking style is based around core principles of retaining possession and getting the midfield to move freely. It gets midfielders to link up play and support forwards.

We’re always telling players that possession is so vital, but so too is the transition that allows the team to execute counter-attacking moves.

We practice this at least once or twice a week and are frequently seeing the results come off in matches. It’s also a great move for general fitness, sharpening of technique and tactical awareness.

What do I get the players to do?

Create a 25x25 yard square around the centre spot and play 5v5 in this area. We look for three (or more) completed passes before the ball is moved out of the zone. Once that pass is made, the team have eight seconds to score a goal. To support, use one forward and one defender starting in the D on the 18 yard box (1a/1b/1c).

Either one or two players can break to support the forward, but if two go (thus creating a 3v1 situation), I encourage one of the forwards to go wide, while the other stays central. Players must remain onside at all times.

If the team scores, they jog back to the centre. If they miss, they must sprint back. 

Such is the flexibility of this session, it can be tweaked to involve any number of players.

Do this for 4x4 minutes, with one minute recovery in between.

1a

1b

1c

What are the key things to look out for technically/tactically?

Initially, we’re keeping an eye on possession in the central box, awareness of players, and quality of passing. In addition, check that players are going forward at the right moment. We’ll also focus on the quality of forward runs, intelligence and patience in waiting for an opening, plus communication between players.

How do I progress the session?

Tighten the central area (to 15x15 yards), or use two extra forwards outside the box as wingers and two extra defenders as full-backs. Only one of the three players can support the attack, so creating a 4v3 situation. Players in the central starting box now have the option of passing to either winger or the centre-forward (2a/2b).

2a

2b

How would you put this into a game situation?

In a 10-minute small-sided game situation, we would remove the box, play half pitch and add in a back four, playing attack versus defence with an overload of forward players (6v4) (3).

3