Central midfielders play a key 🔑role on the field in every game. Becoming a more effective and dangerous central midfielder relies on a player's ability to refine both their offensive and defensive skill set.
Central midfielders need to be great passers, great dribblers in tight spaces, fast with their movement on and off the ball,⚽ and excellent at checking their shoulders and scanning the field.
This week, Blayze soccer coach Zoe Morse will take you through the skills you need to work on to help you master the midfield.
Fitness🏋🏼♂️
As a central midfielder, you will most likely cover more ground their your teammates. Focus on building your stamina through long-distance running and some high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Agility drills can help you improve your ability to change direction quickly.
Passing Range ⚽
Midfielders need to keep the game as simple as possible. Look to complete simple passes and offer support to other players on the field. It is okay to take a chance with a medium or long-range pass that breaks defensive lines now and then.
First Touch 🦶🏼
A good first touch is important in the midfield. You want to control the ball to the best of your ability to prevent the opponent from getting it. Spend time on ball control exercises, practicing receiving passes from various angles and under different pressures.
Vision 👀
Strong midfielders constantly scan the field. This allows you to make quick decisions and select the best options. Simple things like checking your shoulders to understand where you are and where the defenders are will help you more easily identify where there is time and space on the field. To improve checking your shoulders, try passing a ball against the wall and working on scanning your surroundings each time you pass the ball.
Tactical Understanding🧠
Watch the pros! Focus on their positioning, when they press, when they drop back, and when they move into spaces. Working with your coach or a private trainer can help you refine your tactical sense.
Defensive Skills 💪
Even if you are an attacking midfielder, you will need to play defense. Improve your tackling, marking, and interception skills. Know when to commit to a tackle, when to dribble, or when to pass the ball wide.
Shooting 🥅
Shooting from a distance can add another dimension to your game. While this is not your primary duty, it helps your team. Practice different shooting techniques like volleys, drives, and practice at various distances.
Each player is unique, so everyone will have different skills they need to work on. Some are master passers, some are better dribblers, and some are tough defenders. The more of these you can become, the better
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Article of the Week: 10 Essential Roles That Help You Master the Midfield
In soccer, the midfield plays a critical role. They are responsible for controlling the game’s tempo. They link the defensive and offensive plays and provide support on both sides of the field. Click here to read about the 10 essential roles of the midfield.