Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Playing thru the midfield

Warm-up: 2 team rondo (15 mins)

Organization:  Approx 14-16 players (use neutral if odd numbers, in area about 20 yards wide

Activity:  Players will divide into 2 groups or teams, organizing alternating jersey colours in a circle.  Each team will place 2 players in the middle area.  Teams will play a series of passes into their central teammates, who will then play a pass back out to a peripheral player.  Rondo type game when team with ball tries to keep possession.  If defending team wins ball they do the same.

Progression option: perform with 2 players in middle

Progression option: perform where players follow their pass so to continuously switch middle player

Coaching Points- Can midfielders:

-create space to either show as option, or for teammate to show as option

-if receive ball with space are they able to turn and make an attacking type pass

-if in traffic of other teams middle player are they able to receive ball to their strong side

-able to check shoulders to identify what and where options are in advance of receiving pass

-communication

Activity: Possession using Midfielder (20 mins)

Organization: Set area per above, Approx 14-16 players

Activity: Teams play 8v8 s. Each team will play with 2 middle players (central midfielders) inside middle area, and remaining players along the outside of the box. Teams will play a game of possession, getting a point every time they are able to connect a pass through the middle area using middle players.

Coaching Points- Can midfielders:

-Be mobile so to keep defenders off balance and get open

-Finding space: can midfielder show as option for teammates under pressure, or pull out in behind defenders to receive pass that beats opponents.

-if receive ball with space are they able to turn and make a primary attacking type pass

-in tight coverage are they able shield defenders and receive ball to their strong side to make secondary pass to maintain possession

-able to check shoulders to identify pressure and what and where options are in advance of receiving pass

-demonstrate patience and us other middle players to keep possession and set up better pass.