Deep runs from midfield
by Dean Smith in Midfield
This session is designed to encourage attacking midfielders and wide players to make deep runs in behind the opposition defenders. MORE
Linking through your centre-midfielder
by Carlos Carvalhal in Midfield
The role of the centre-midfielder is a vital one in modern soccer and his effectiveness and resourcefulness is best practised with regular repetition of technique and job role. This is a session I first outlined when with Besiktas back in 2011, but so solid and reliable is the role of the midfielder that it is... MORE
Creating space in midfield
by Paul Peschisolido in Midfield
This session is about creating space in midfield in order to receive or support others in breaks. This scenario often occurs as a first build-up stage in a game when full-backs or centre-backs have possession and want to use it smartly. MORE
Midfield magic
by Malky Mackay in Midfield
Get your midfielders to link up play and support forwards with this progressive attacking session that's based around core principles of retaining possession and getting the midfield to move freely. MORE
Playing through midfield
by Wayne Burnett in Midfield
Playing through midfield with confidence and precision is vital for any team - use this session to coach players how to receive, pass and work space, linking defence with attack. MORE
Possession and retention
by Russell Slade in Midfield
The ability to hold the ball in midfield areas is crucial to any side as gaining control of the midfield often equates to gaining control of the game, so this is a session that should be practised often. MORE
Encouraging forward runs from midfield
by Darren Sarll in Midfield
Use possession practices, small-sided games and finishing drills to highlight and encourage players to run from midfield into advanced areas. MORE
Switching play
The session is about passing the ball quickly and effectively across the width of the pitch to utilise space and to penetrate the opposition. Ultimately, players love passing the ball, so following that logic through, quick and effective link-up play is the best way to create opportunities, find weaknesses in your opponents and score goals. MORE
Defending in midfield
by Simon Grayson in Midfield
This session offers a deep tactical insight into how defensive solidity can be attained through the use of a knowledgeable, tight and hard-working midfield unit. MORE
Accomplished possession and overloads
by Gordon Strachan in Midfield
The session focuses on creating overloads in central areas. It explores the variety of options available for us to ‘own’ this key area, and puts the emphasis on player awareness in possession to make maximum use of what’s in front of them. MORE
Defending as a team
by Paul Heckingbottom in Formations and Tactics, Midfield
The aim of this session is to prevent the opposition from playing through your team's midfield and then to regain the ball by controlling where opponents play. MORE
Positive pockets
by Michael O'Neill in Midfield
The session is about playing into positive pockets behind the opposition midfield upon regain of possession. MORE
Switching play
by Anthony Williams in Midfield
Switching of play is a devastating and dynamic way of catching opposition players out of position, and this session takes the basic principles of switching before adding progressions and advancements in play so that teams can really utilise this attacking weapon. MORE
Pressing masterclass
by Matthew Bishop in Midfield
A high intensity session comprised of a variety of practices that focus on pressing as a team in game situations and transitional play. The key tactical elements practised are vital for all players in all positions. MORE
Possession beyond your opponents’ midfield
by Kenny Jackett in Midfield
This passing drill works on combinations in and through midfield, up to the front player. It relies on good movement, players knowing their duties and responsibilities, and a willingness to adopt key tactical ideas such as third man running. MORE
Switch of play
by Graham Alexander in Midfield
This session is about switching play quickly while in possession. This can be specifically done for your back four, your midfield, or the entire team. It’s important to practise this so that it becomes a habit for players, and so we don’t just pass forwards. Instead, we want to see players working diagonally – this... MORE
Working through the thirds
by Steve Bruce in Midfield
This session rehearses passing, receiving and offering support through thirds of the pitch. It takes directional passing as a warm-up, then brings in opposed possession challenges in outlining a variety of key technical points. MORE
Midfield as a defensive unit
by Steve Lomas in Midfield
Use this session to get your midfield working as a defensive unit. It’s important to practise this because players in the midfield unit need to develop a clear understanding of their defensive roles. They must learn to be an effective bank without, as well as with, the ball. MORE
Mastering midfield
by Tony Pulis in Midfield
This session relies on the midfield four pressing around the halfway line. It involves movement up and across the pitch to intercept, and dynamic counter-attacking play. MORE
Improve midfield penetration
by Craig Shakespeare in Midfield
Use this session to focus on playing through, and breaking, opposition lines. It is based on keeping possession while looking to make a penetrating pass when possible. MORE