Play / Positions / Attacking midfielder
Six weeks as a attacking midfielder
The number 10 plays between their lines. These weeks build finding space, then turning, then the final pass and the shot.
Each week runs from on your own to with others to a real match moment. Move on when you can do the check at the end of the week, not before. Two weeks on one is fine.
Week one
Find the pocket
Stand in the gap between their midfield and defence.
- With the team4v4 with three floaters15 minutes. 11, or adapt to 3v3 with three.
- In a matchGet past their midfieldPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itFind the player between the linesWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You get the ball facing forward at least three times in a game.
Week two
Tight turns
Turn away from pressure in one or two touches.
- On your ownThe Cruyff turnTen minutes, most days.
- Drill on your ownTurn and go12 minutes. Just you.
- In a matchGet past their midfieldPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when You can do three different turns, each with both feet.
Week three
The killer pass
Slide the ball between defenders for a runner.
- On your ownThe inside-foot passTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamEnd-zone game15 minutes. 8 to 12 (4v4 to 6v6).
- In a matchThrough on goalPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itRun in behindWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when Your through balls reach the runner in their stride.
Week four
Commit then pass
Dribble at a defender to draw them in, then release.
- On your ownThe body feintTen minutes, most days.
- With the team2v1: pass or go?15 minutes. Groups of 3.
- In a matchWe have just won itPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itDraw a defender, then passWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when In 2v1s you pass when the defender comes to you, and go when they do not.
Week five
Shoot from the edge
Strike low and hard from the edge of the box.
- On your ownStriking with the lacesTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamReceive, turn and shoot12 minutes. 4 to 10, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchA free kick near their boxPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itFree kick around the boxWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when Most of your shots hit the target.
Week six
First defender
Press their holding midfielder when they get it.
- With the teamWin it high18 minutes. 8 to 14.
- In a matchPress their goal kickPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itPress their goal kickWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when Their holding midfielder has no easy pass when you press.
After six weeks
Go back to week one and do the checks again. Then try a week from the position next to yours: a centre-back who knows a holding midfielder's job, or a winger who knows a full-back's, is the player coaches want.
Back to the attacking midfielder guide Next: six weeks as a winger and wide midfielder
Practise in a safe space with an adult nearby, and warm up first. If anything hurts, stop.