Playing through midfield

Playing through midfield with confidence and precision is vital for any team and it’s essential we coach players in how to receive, pass and work space, linking defence with attack.

The session takes the form of three different practices. Within these, we vary the size of the playing area, and encourage creativity in midfield through different formations, in order for players to feel comfortable working in the ever-changing conditions they will experience on match day.

What do I get the players to do?

Boxes challenge

We setup 3v1 in each box, and the ball has to be played from end to end through the middle section (1a).

1a

We will vary what we want to see from each move - for example, three passes requested in each section to improve technical skills and movement. Alternatively, two balls can be played at the same time to improve awareness (1b).

1b

Outer sections can be used to give attacking players more time on the ball, because defenders cannot track in those areas. But any ball received on the outside must then be played back into a central section.

Middle channel challenge

Now we move into a 5v5 game. The middle section is a free zone that defenders are not allowed into. The team in possession (whites) can position three midfielders in the zone. If the ball is successfully passed into this area, they can attack defenders 3v2, looking to score in any goal (2a). When out of possession, they must vacate the middle zone and the other team will go in there, while a quick turnover of possession can spark a counter-attack (2b).

2a

2b

Sections challenge

In the final set-up, teams must go through midfield on each attack. After playing this as a standard 2-2-1, we apply various progressions. At first, attacking players can move from the middle to the end section to create a 2v2. Defenders cannot follow, nor for the next progression, where an attacker can drop into the middle section (3a). But in the final progression, when players support or drop into a different zone, opponents are allowed to follow (3b).

3a

3b

A number of different passing systems can be used with this session – 2-3-1, 2-3-2, 3-4-2, 3-3-2 and more.

What are the key things to look out for?

We’re looking for movement to receive and a good body shape, so the player can see both goals. Smart decision-making – knowing when and where to pass – is important, as are passes to feet at a sensible weight. Timing of runs from midfield is obviously key, as is support in front or behind, plus distances and angles of passes.