Play / Positions / Winger and wide midfielder
Six weeks as a winger and wide midfielder
Wingers stretch the pitch and beat their full-back. These weeks build 1v1 moves, then crossing, then the defensive work.
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
Close control at speed
Run with the ball using small touches when it is crowded and big ones in space.
- On your ownToe tapsTen minutes, most days.
- Drill on your ownThe cone weave10 minutes. Just you.
- In a matchWe have just won itPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when You can weave the cones with your weaker foot only.
Week two
Beat your full-back
One move, then a burst of speed.
- On your ownThe step-overTen minutes, most days.
- With a friend1v1 to the line12 minutes. You and a friend.
- In a matchMake a chance from the wingPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when You beat a defender in a 1v1 at least one time in three.
Week three
Cut inside
Come in onto your stronger foot to shoot or pass.
- On your ownThe inside hookTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamReceive, turn and shoot12 minutes. 4 to 10, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchMake a chance from the wingPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itAttack the half-spaceWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You can cut inside and shoot in two touches.
Week four
Cross or cut back
Pick the low cross or the cut-back, depending on where the runners are.
- On your ownStriking with the lacesTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamLow crosses and cut-backs15 minutes. 6 to 12, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchGo round themPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itThe cut-backWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You look up before every cross.
Week five
Stay wide
Stay right on the touchline when the ball is on the other side.
- With the teamSwitch it18 minutes. 8 to 14.
- In a matchGo round themPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itWidth and depthWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when The switch finds you with space to run.
Week six
Track back
Follow their full-back back into the midfield line.
- With the teamAttack, then defend: waves15 minutes. 9 to 14, plus 2 goalkeepers.
- In a matchA winger runs at youPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itGet back into shapeWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You are back on the inside of your full-back within seconds of losing it.
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 winger and wide midfielder guide Next: six weeks as a striker
Practise in a safe space with an adult nearby, and warm up first. If anything hurts, stop.