Attacking Midfielder Drill

How do we lean to play like some of the best attacking midfielders in the game of soccer? Train like they do. What’s the number one thing an attacking midfielder needs to do for their team? Play the killer pass. The pass that leads to a goal. A pass like this one from Neymar. What’s key though about being a good attacking midfielder is finding and wanting the ball all the time.

Field size: 40 yards by 30 yards

Number of players: full team, with at least 12 players split into two groups

Age range: 14-16

Description: Playing a small-sided game such as six versus six where the team can’t score unless the attacking midfielder has touched the ball at least once. This is a good soccer drill to get players accustomed to playing the ball through the attacking midfielder.

Rotate this player throughout the drill though.  Give a number of players a chance to have the staring role and shine.  It gives players confidence when they’re the main focus of the team and everything runs through them. They’ll get a lot of touches on the soccer ball. This player can take this experience and use it in their normal position.  For instance, the outside back should ask for the ball just as much as the central midfielder if he or she is open and can do something positive on the field.

Later, try this same drill with various restrictions. For instance, say the attacking midfielder has only one touch. Test various restrictions, the midfielder has to play the ball forward or can’t score.

The idea is to get your players used to giving the ball to the creative players who will help the team score. This isn’t about giving one player all the attention, rather it’s getting the soccer ball to the player who can best help your team score and win games.

Later, add in a rule that the only way you can score is from a pass via the attacking midfielder.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.

We are going over how to play attacking midfielder in football in today’s video!