Training the Central Midfielder (Part 4 of 4)
From the Nov. 10, 2004, issue of The Technical Area
by Roland Loy, German A-License
(Courtesy of Success in Soccer)

This is part 4 in a four-part series that will focus on training central midfield players.  Part 1 dealt with defensive exercises, while part 2 focused on building the attack.  Part three addressed passing to the front runners, while the fourth and final installment will concentrate on shooting.
 
1. SETTING UP A SHOT

Set Up
• Two forwards play two 1 v. 1s against two man-markers inside the penalty box, in front of a goal with goalkeeper. 
• The midfielder starts out outside the penalty box line, with a number of balls.

Sequence 
• The midfielder tries to create shooting opportunities by playing combinations with the two forwards.
• The midfielder can only shoot from inside the penalty box.
•  The attackers have various options for the attack, e.g. wall passes, overlapping, etc. 
• If the man-markers win the ball, they try to dribble out of the penalty box.

Objectives 
• Setting up shots with combination plays
• Accurate shooting

 
 

2. SHOOTING AFTER HIGH-SPEED DRIBBLING
 

Set Up
• The midfielder stands about 30 yards in front of a goal with goalkeeper, with a number of balls.
• One defender stands outside the penalty box.
• Two pass receivers stand to the defender's right and left.

Sequence
• The midfielder dribbles at top speed toward the defender and tries to get past, enter the penalty box and shoot. 
• Alternatively, he can play a wall pass with one of the pass receivers.

Objectives
• High-speed dribbling training
• Getting past an opponent with a solo run or wall pass

 

 
3. SETTING UP A SHOT WITH A HEADER

Set up
Three players take assigned positions in front of a goal with goalkeeper:
• One player (or the coach) stands on a sideline with a number of balls.
• One player (the attacking forward) stands inside the penalty box.
• The midfielder stands outside the penalty box.

Sequence
• The passer on the sideline kicks a long, high pass to the forward inside the penalty box.
• The forward heads the ball back into the path of the midfielder, who is moving toward the goal.
• Depending on the situation, the midfielder shoots either directly or after briefly controlling the ball.
• Possible variations: high passes from various positions to the forward, or with an opponent for the forward.

Objectives
• Fast, accurate shots set up by a header
• Moving up to the front