Written by Dave Clarke
Playing Through Midfield – Skill
A dynamic wave practice focusing on combination play through the middle and creating chances for strikers in a 2v2 scenario.
Coaching Objectives
Develop player decision-making in transition, focusing on 2v2 situations and striker involvement through combination play or direct passes into the attacking half.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 12+ Players
- 2 Goals
- 2 sets Bibs
- 40x30 y
Technique Tips
- Focus on quick combination play in the central box.
- Encourage strikers to position themselves for early passes.
- Timing of runs from the wide players into the attacking half is key.
What the Players Do
Set up a 2v2 in the central box with one striker in each attacking half. Two players from the side of the goal (outside the box) begin a 2v1 against the striker and look to pass into the central…Playing Through Midfield - Technical
Develop passing, combination play, and finishing through structured rotations between central and wide players in this technical practice
Coaching Objectives
This drill teaches players how to combine in midfield, make quick decisions, and improve shooting accuracy while maintaining team shape and movement.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 12+ Players
- 2 Goals
- 2 sets Bibs
- 20x20 y
Technique Tips
- Focus on dribbling with control when moving through or around the mannequins.
- Central players should look to pass quickly and create space.
- Wide players should shoot with precision, aiming for corners.
What the Players Do
Players next to the goal dribble around or through the mannequins and pass to their teammates in the central square. Players in the central square combine to pass to the striker.. The player…Playing Through Midfield – Conditioned Game
A tactical 8v8 game focusing on creating scoring opportunities through central and wide play, with differentiated point values for goals.
Coaching Objectives
Improve tactical awareness, decision-making, and ball distribution by encouraging players to use central and wide channels effectively to maximize scoring.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 16+ Players
- 2 Goals
- 2 sets Bibs
- 60 x 40 y
Technique Tips
- Pass Accuracy: Focus on weighted passes, particularly when moving the ball through the central box, to give attackers the best chance to score.
- Positioning Awareness: Encourage strikers to anticipate the ball from either the central or wide players, staying alert to shooting opportunities.
- Communication: Defenders and central players should constantly communicate to prevent gaps, especially when the ball is in the wide channels.
- Decision-Making: Players should weigh the higher reward of central play against the risk of losing possession in tighter spaces.