Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Central Midfielder out of possesion zones

4-4-2

Central midfileders out of possesion zones/roles.

The central midfielder positions have quite a few diffrent roles depending on the formation of the team. This is the case weather the team are  in or out of possesion. depending on the formation the central midfielder can be a defensive or attacking role in the team. We will explain the role depending of formation.

4-4-2

When in a 4-4-2 formation the central midfielders have a very balanced role in defending and attacking, This traditionally is known as a box to box role. When out of possesion the central midfielders need to recover and get back to help the defence and defend. If the other team have controlled possesion they would look to defend the area infront of the centre backs or pick up and mark runners from midfield. Having good communication with your other central midfielder is important as you will need to sometimes swap the player you are marking or agree who you are going to mark and stick with that player for the match. You also need to communicate who is going to attack and who is going to stay in a more defesive possition when the team are in possesion as if both central midfilders are out of position the opponent casn attack centrallly without any pressure. Depending on the best abilities  of the 2 players will normally decide who goes forward and who defends but it doesn't matter as long as one player stays central and is ready to protect the defence. Either a defensinve and attacking player is a good blend or 2 players that have a good understanding to dovetail (any 1 stay and any 1 go). If the other team have controlled possesion then the 2 central midfielders sit infront of the centre backs creating 2 lines of 4. ( 4 defenders across the edge of the area and 4 midfielders 5-10 yards ahead in a line across the pitch). When the wide players tuck in a little to make the team very compact, this is known as a low block which is very difficult to break down as there is no space.

3-5-2 (CAM)

3-5-2

The CAM has less defensive responsibility and is a free role in terms of getting back into a position or help the defence defend the box but this doesn't mean the CAM has any less importance in helping the team defend. It is just in a diffrent way. The CAM's role out of possesion is to press and work hard to close down the opposition and try to win back possesion. When teams work to set traps and press in units like Man City or Liverpool then you can win the ball higher up the pitch which means you have less distance to attack the opponents goal. The CAM will work to help either wide players either side or strikers in pressing/tackling to win the ball as quickly as possible. The green zone is a rough area