by Roland Loy, German A-License
(Courtesy of Success in Soccer)
This is Part 2 in a four-part series that will focus on training central midfield players. Part 1 dealt with defensive exercises, Part 2 will focus on building the attack, Part 3 will address passing to the front runners, while the fourth and final installment will concentrate on shooting.
1. SECURING THE BALL
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Set Up
• Two teams of five play inside a marked field.
• There is one neutral midfielder.
Sequence
The two teams play 5 v. 5 to maintain possession of the ball. The midfielder helps whichever team has the ball.
Various extra requirements serve to highlight the midfielder's role as "ball distributor:"
• The ball must go to the midfielder every third pass (or fourth, or fifth) at the latest.
• The midfielder must always dribble at least 20 yards.
• The midfielder must pass directly.
Objectives
• Training the midfielder as a passing station and "ball distributor"
• Confident combination play
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2. HEADER AFTER A LONG PASS
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Set Up
• Two teams of four play on two endlines (dribbling across the opposition's endline = one point).
• Team A consists entirely of midfielders.
• The coach has a number of balls and stands outside the field, ready to pass.
Sequence
• The two teams start out facing each other in one half.
• The coach starts each play with a long, high pass to one of the midfielders.
• As soon as the coach passes, the other team can leave its half and interfere with the midfielders. The pass receiver must head the ball to a teammate, starting the 4 v. 4.
Objectives
• Accurate heading
• Combination play to score
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3. HIGH-SPEED LONG-RANGE DRIBBLING
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Set up
• Two teams play 3 v. 3 in a marked field (about 15 yards square).
• Two small goals stand to the right and left of this field, each 10 yards away.
Sequence
• This exercise is specially designed for the midfielder, who plays with Team A.
• Team B starts out in possession of the ball and plays 3 v. 3 to maintain possession as long as possible.
• If Team A's midfielder wins the ball, he tries to dribble through one of the small goals at top speed. One player from B is allowed to pursue him. Afterwards, a new 3 v. 3 starts inside the field.
Objectives
• High-speed long-range dribbling
• Safe combination play
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4. PASSES FROM THE MIDFIELD
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Set up
• Two teams play 4 v. 4 inside a marked field along the centerline.
• Team B consists entirely of midfielders.
• Another pair of players stands on each of the larger field's sidelines: 1 v. 1 between an outside attacker and a defender.
• One goalkeeper stands in the goal.
Sequence
• Team A starts the 4 v. 4 in possession of the ball.
• If Team B wins the ball, one player immediately shows for and receives a pass outside the small field. This player then kicks a high pass, without interference, to one of the two outside attackers, who shows at high speed for the pass (his opponent is only half-active).
• The outside attacker crosses to another midfielder in front of the goal.
Objectives
• Accurate high passes
• Initiating wing attacks
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5. QUICK SWITCH TO THE ATTACK
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Set up
• Two teams of six play in a field half.
• One player from each team (the midfielder) has extra duties.
• There are two goals with goalkeepers.
Sequence
The two teams play 6 v. 6 on the two goals with goalkeepers. Various extra requirements highlight the midfielder's role:
• The midfielder may only kick long passes.
• An opponent is permanently assigned to the midfielder.
The midfielder must pass directly.
Objectives
• Fast counterattacks initiated by the midfielder
• Safe combination play
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6. PLAYMAKER TRAINING
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Set up
• Set up two goals with goalkeepers on the ends of a field half.
• Use cones to make the half somewhat narrower.
• Players form two teams of six.
• Another player (a midfielder) plays the role of a "neutral player."
Sequence
• The two teams play 6 v. 6 to set up shots and score. The neutral midfielder plays with whichever team has the ball.
• All players are limited to a maximum of two touches, except the neutral "playmaker," who has unlimited touches.
Objectives
• Midfielder constantly involved
• Speed of play and direction of attack determined by the midfielder
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