Attacking from the Midfield - U10 to U17 Advance Soccers Drills

Focuses on building an attack from the midfield and focuses on the midfield players getting forward into the attacking third.
Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Soccer Drill Info:
This is for ages U10, U12, U14, U16, U17 and up. Run this soccer drill with at least 12 players but no more than 18. This soccer drill should last approximately 25 minutes on a 1/2 field. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, goals, alternate jersey.

Soccer Drill Diagram

Setup:
Divide the field into 3rds using cones. In the defensive third have a keeper in the goal and 2 defensive players who play against 2 attacking players. In the middle third have 4 attacking midfield players and 3 defensive midfield players. Have the defensive players wear an alternate jersey. The play begins with the coach on the side line.

Instructions:
The coach starts the play by serving a ball into the attacking midfielders. When the attacking mid players gain possession, the attackers should penetrate and attack immediately. The mid field player that passes to an attacker in the attacking third should step in and play 3v2 (in the attacking third). If the defensive players win the ball, they should play keep-away from the attacking team.

Variations:
* Instead of making the person passing into the attacking 3rd step into the attack, make the furthest player from the ball step in and attack.
* Increase or decrease the number of players.
* Change the numbers to focus on offensive attack or defensive shape.

Coaching Points:
* Proper spacing and angles to receive passes (support).
* Good movement from attackers checking into the midfield players.
* Make sure the midfield players are getting into the attack and playing off the attackers and getting forward (attack).
* Quickly swing the ball through the midfield to take advantage of number up situations.

Focus:
Technical Dribbling, Technical Passing, Technical Shooting, Technical Receiving, Tactical Attacking, Tactical Support, Tactical Possession, Tactical Switching Point of Attack, Tactical Communication, Tactical Role of Midfielder, Tactical Combination Play, Tactical Vision, Tactical Overlapping