Attacking from the Midfield
This attacking soccer drill focuses on building an attack from the midfield and focuses on the midfield players getting forward into the attacking third.
Attacking from the Midfield and Switching the Attack
Focuses on building an attack from the midfield, switching the point of attack, and getting forward into the attacking third.
Drill Setup
- Divide a full field into thirds using cones. This drill uses the middle third and attacking third of the field.
- Place a keeper in the goal.
- In the defensive third, 2 defensive players play against 2 attacking players.
- In the middle third, 4 attacking midfield players play against 3 defensive midfield players.
- The defensive players wear an alternate jersey.
- The play begins with the coach on the sideline.
Drill Instructions
- The coach starts the play by serving a ball into the attacking midfielders.
- The attacking mid players look to penetrate and immediately by playing into an attacker in the attacking third.
- Restrict players to remain in their assigned third of the field except for the midfielder advancing the ball to the attacking third.
- The midfield player that passes to an attacker in the attacking third joins this area and play 3v2 (in the attacking third).
- If the defensive players win the ball, they should play keep-away from the attacking team.
- The coach should have an ample supply of balls and can restart the series at any time.
Drill 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.
Drill 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.
Equipment
- Disc Cones - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Pinnies/Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Practice or Training Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Full Size Goal - Full Size Goal
Drill Ages
Soccer Drill Skill Focus
Top Rated Soccer Drills
7v7 Scrimmage
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.
Sharks and Minnows
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.
1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.
Pirates of the Pugg
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.
Alien Tag Soccer Game
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.
4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.
The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.
Four Corners Passing Game
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.
1v1 Competition
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.
Ouch!
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.