Holding midfielder: always be diagonal
The keeper and centre-backs move the ball; the holding midfielder keeps moving so they're always on a diagonal from the ball. On the call, they get it and play forward. Teaches the six to make themselves available.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Keeper, 2 centre-backs and a holding midfielder; 2 mini-goals 25 m out.
- One passive defender near the midfielder, then make it live.
Equipment: Cones, mini-goals, balls
How it works
- Keeper and centre-backs circulate the ball.
- Midfielder adjusts after every pass to stay diagonal and in view.
- Coach calls 'now': ball into the midfielder, who turns and scores in a mini-goal.
Coaching points
- Never stand in a straight line with the ball and the passer.
- Check your shoulder before it comes.
- Receive on the back foot, half-turned.
Formations this drill suits
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- No defender
Make it harder
- Live defender marking the midfielder
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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