Own the midfield and you'll win the game. While that is not an absolute rule, it's true more often than not. As a veteran coach at Soccer Drills Review writes, length of possession and field position are the keys to the game, and talented midfielders are hugely influential in giving their team the edge. Talented midfielders control the game with great passing ability, setting up the offensive players and keeping the ball out of the hands of the defense.
Midfield Passing Star Drill
A fast-moving midfield passing drill for soccer players of all ages is intended to improve the technical ability of midfielders by the use of short, well-angled passes and good movement. The drill at the We Play website is conducted in a 25-square-yard area. The first player collects a crisp pass from a second player, who then cushions a pass to third player. The players switch positions and continue the passing drill with other players moving into the mix. The advantage of this drill is that it requires a variety of passes of different speeds and angles. The drill also encourages players to control the ball and pass it quickly.
Central Midfielder Drill
This drill is conducted in a 30-square-yard area. A smaller 10-square-yard area is marked out in the middle of the larger square. One attacker, the midfielder, must stay in the smaller square. The other players, three attackers and three defenders, are required to stay out of the smaller square. The attackers try to keep possession of the ball and are encouraged to do so by passing to the midfielder, who then looks for an open attacker to restart the play. For a more advanced drill, allow the attackers only two touches of the ball, one to control it and a second to pass it. Encourage players to use both feet to control and pass the ball.
Midfield Passing and Receiving Drill
This drill, from ProfessionalSoccerCoaching.com, is intended to school players in creating space in the midfield and in developing the ability to maintain possession through a combination of passing and ball control skills. In a 36-yard-by-24-yard section, a neutral midfielder plays for both a four-person red and yellow team depending on which is in possession of the ball. There are also target players beyond the boundary lines who can lend support to the attacking team. The drill requires players to create space for themselves in confined areas, play quick combinations, limit their touches and pass to receivers who also must be aware of the space around them.
Small Side Game
Another good drill for midfielders, and one closer to game conditions, can be found at BetterSoccerCoaching.com. This drill uses two teams of four players and two floating midfielders who play for the side with the ball. This is a possession game, played within a 40-yard-by-20-yard field. The team with the ball must string together six passes in a row to earn a point. At least every third pass must be to one of the midfielders. In a variation, set up two small goals and allow the teams to try to score, working on the midfielder's skill in launching attacks.
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