Focus: Passing/Dribbling Drill
Number of Players: 4+
Age: +U8
Level: Medium
Setup:
- Arrange 3 man-markers in a straight line with a gap of 2 meters between each one.
- Horizontally, position a cone on each side of the man-markers, approximately 5-10 meters away from the middle man-marker.
- Have one player placed in the middle among the man-markers and ensure there are at least two players stationed at each cone.
- Adjust the distance between cones or man-markers based on their age and skill level.
Why Use This Drill?
The Midfielder Turn Drill is excellent for teaching a crucial maneuver for midfielders — the skill of turning with the ball, a vital asset in actual matches. It provides a method for midfielders to pivot after receiving a pass from an opponent and position themselves in the field to execute an attacking pass. The middle players in this drill are also encouraged to think creatively and enjoy significant freedom around the man-markers.
How It Works
Players have the freedom to choose their path between the man-markers, adding a realistic, in-game element to the drill. Effective communication among players is crucial in all variations.
1. Variation
One of the players at the cone starts with the ball and delivers a pass to the middle player. The middle player executes a turn around one of the man-markers and passes to the player at the other cone. The starting players move in to take the middle position, and the initial middle player returns to the line behind the cone after passing.
2. Variation
The starting player engages in a one-two passing combination with the middle player. Subsequently, the middle player turns without the ball and receives a through-pass on the opposite side of the man-markers. The middle player then passes to the player at the other cone. The starting players move in to take the middle position, and the initial middle player goes back in line behind the cone after passing.
3. Variation
(Two players in the middle)
The starting player passes to one of the middle players. The two middle players execute a one-two passing combination through the man-markers and pass to the player at the other cone. The starting players move in to take the middle position, and the middle player who makes the last pass returns to the line behind the cone after passing.
Other Key Points:
-
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
-
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
-
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.
