Breaking the lines – practice
in Midfield
Play through the thirds and create attacking overloads in this three-part session. By MATTHEW MOUNTFORD MORE
Around the House
The Rules
Position a neutral midfield player in the central ‘no go’ zone who must stay in this zone.
The neutral midfielder can play one twos with any player in possession.
The ball must not cross the box to another player. Position neutrals on the outside line of field as shown.
Award a point every time player gets around the house (the ‘no go’ zone) in possession and a further point if a goal scored. Play to ten points and then switch teams.
Objectives
Encourages wide play and use of wide areas.
Key Skills
Getting ball wide early, passing, running with the ball, dribbling, and use of midfield pivot player to create opportunities.
Set Up
Area: 60×40 yards pitch with 10×20 yards box (‘no go’ zone) placed in the centre
Players: 10 plus 4 neutral players
Equipment: Two goals, cones, balls
The team in possession must go around the
‘no go’ zone in order to score.
Allow one defender to enter the ‘no go’ zone
in order to press the midfielder.
Develop play by allowing neutral player to have
more touches and switch to another attacker.
What To Call Out
“Head up”
Coaching Notes
Early passes to feet, good combination play.
Development
● Allow one player from the team in defence to enter the ‘no go’ zone and press the midfielder if they are close enough to affect play.
● Allow neutral midfielder more touches and the ability to switch play to another attacker.
Hint
Make the central box smaller and have 1v1 in the box.
