Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Midfield Rotation to Break Lines

Midfield Rotation Pattern 1

Key Factors

• Midfield Rotation to Break Lines

Organisation

• 6 cones set out as 'back 3'
• 4 cones in diamond, between 5 poles/mannequins
• Ball starts with Player 1 on left cone
• Player 1 switches ball to Player 2 on right cone
• Player 2 sets back to Player 3 on middle cone
• Player 3 plays into Player 4 who has rotated from behind mannequin to left of diamond to receive in space
• Player 4 plays to left cone on opposite side
• All players follow pass

Coaching Points: - Weight of every pass, can it be done first time?

                            - Timing of midfield rotation - too early and waiting? Too late and on stretch? ideally as ball is set back to middle cone, rotation starts

                            - Body shape when receiving - half turn - ESPECIALLY midfielder

                            - Pace of play to play forwards after midfielder receives   

Possession with Midfield Rotation Box

Key Factors

• Midfield Rotation to Break Lines Possession Game

Organisation

• 18 yard to 18 yard in length, 5 yards wider than 18 yard box on each side - can be adapted depending on numbers and age group
• 6v6 with 2 midfielders for each team locked in central 20x20 box
• Non Directional keep ball
• 1 Point awarded for 10 passes OR 2 points for playing through midfield box

Coaching Points: - Timing of midfield rotations - use each other, work opposites, do not stay in a space longer than 3 seconds without receiving

                            - Players outside box - can we move defenders around to open gaps to play through midfield box? - Be patient, wait for gaps to appear then penetrate