The 6 is the team's balance. Often the least noticed player, they're constantly scanning, covering gaps and keeping possession ticking. When the team plays out, the 6 drops between or beside the centre-backs to help.
Midfield · number 6
Defensive midfielder (number 6)
A defensive midfielder (CDM, the number 6) plays just in front of the defence. They protect the centre-backs, win the ball back, stop counter-attacks early, and receive from the defenders to start attacks. Good 6s keep the team's shape and set the tempo with simple, quick passes.
The defensive midfielder in each formation
With the ball, without it, and in transition
With the ball: Show for the ball between or beside the centre-backs, play forward when you can, and switch play.
Without the ball: Screen the centre-backs, stay central, and step in to win the ball when it goes into midfield.
When the ball changes hands: Be the first to stop the counter: delay, foul-free, so team-mates can get back.
They have it at the back. We stay compact around halfway; the striker blocks the pass into midfield.
More boards: Playing out from the back · Gegenpress (counter-press)
Skills a defensive midfielder needs
⚽ Technical
- Receiving on the half-turn
- One- and two-touch passing
- Tackling and intercepting
🧠 Tactical
- Scanning before you receive
- Positioning to screen passes
- Dropping into the back line
💪 Physical
- Stamina
- Strength in duels
❤️ Mental
- Discipline
- Composure
Team drills for defensive midfielders
Receiving on the half-turn6 to 12 players · U9 to adult
Keeper to centre-back to the 6 (pivot turns)6 to 10 plus a keeper players · U11 to adult
4v1 rondo5 (or groups of 5) players · U8 to adult
5v2 rondo7 players · U10 to adult
Scanning game: colour cones6 to 16 players · U8 to U14
Five-second counter-press box8 to 12 players · U11 to adultPractise at home
Drills a defensive midfielder can do alone with a ball and a wall. Or follow the circuit below: timer, beeps and every station shown.
Two-touch wall anglesOpen up, touch across, pass · 20 passesReceive and turn off the wallSide-on, receive, turn · 12 turnsLong pass to a targetLean back, strike through · 10 passesJockey and shuffleLow, side-on, don't cross · 45 secondsRecovery sprintsTurn, sprint, goal-side · 6 sprintsScan and callLook before it arrives · 20 passes
🔁 Defensive midfielder home circuit
7 minutes · 7 stations · 40s on, 20s rest. Turn the sound on for the beeps. Clear the space first, and younger players should have an adult nearby.
Coaches: send this circuit or any home drill to a player from your team hub, and see how they got on.
Players to watch
- Claude Makélélé: So influential in the holding role that it's often called 'the Makélélé role'.
- Rodri: Controls the tempo of games from in front of the defence.
- Keira Walsh: Receives under pressure and dictates play for club and country.
- Sergio Busquets: Positioning and one-touch passing that made the game look simple.
For grassroots coaches
- Pick a player who loves to talk and help others: they see the game.
- Rondos are the best training for a 6.
- Teach them to stay central when everyone else chases the ball.
Questions people ask
What does CDM stand for?
Central defensive midfielder: the player just in front of the defence.
What's the difference between a 6 and an 8?
The 6 holds in front of the defence; the 8 covers more ground and gets forward to support attacks.
Is a CDM a defender?
They're a midfielder whose main job is protecting the defence, but they start a lot of attacks too.
Other positions
Central midfielder (number 8)
A central midfielder (the number 8) links defence and attack.
Read →Centre-back
A centre-back defends the middle of the pitch in front of goal.
Read →Box-to-box midfielder
A box-to-box midfielder works from one penalty area to the other.
Read →← All football positions · Formations · Practise at home
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