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How to Kick Ball? : The Art of Becoming a Playmaking Midfielder

By Anthony Canger

Introduction and My Audience

This blog is created for anyone that loves the game of soccer, as many supporters know, you don’t have to play to be a fan of the game. There are many different topics to discuss when it comes to the topic of improving at the sport. However, because of my past experiences as a midfielder I will be discussing specifically how to become a better midfielder. The information provided in this blog is designed to help all midfielders. If you are just starting to play the beautiful game or are an experienced player trying to take your game to the next level you will find useful information in this blog. 

The role of a midfielder in soccer is one of the most demanding jobs on the soccer field. Midfielders cover a wide range of responsibilities and must be extremely versatile. They are often considered the engine room of the team, responsible for both defending and attacking, linking the defense and the forward line, and controlling the tempo of the game. To excel in this position, a player must possess a wide range of skills, physical endurance, tactical awareness, and mental toughness. This comprehensive guide will provide you with tips and strategies to help you become a better soccer midfielder.

Part 1: Understanding the Role of a Midfielder

The Different Types of Midfielders

Defensive Midfielder (CDM): Plays in front of the back defensive line and is responsible for breaking up attacks and providing passing out of the back.

Central Midfielder (CM): Controls pace of the game and has an even mix of defensive and offensive responsiblities.

Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Plays more forward and is mainly involved in creating goal scoring oppourtounities.

Wide Midfielder/Winger: Plays on the left or right wide ends of the field, responsible for getting forward and trying to contribute offensively by crossing the ball while also helping cover the flanks defensively .

Understanding these roles and their responsibilities is crucial to developing a well-rounded skill set.

Part 2: Technical Skills

There are multiple areas of technical traits a midielfder must master to become the best player that they can be. They are broken down into the three main skills of soccer with the ball; passing, dribbling, and shooting. With a paticular emphasis on traits that top professional midfieldeers exhibit such as receiving the ball under pressure and breaking defensive lines.  

Passing

Short Passes: Master the accuracy and timing of short passes to maintain possession and build play.

Long Passes: Develop the ability to switch play and deliver accurate long balls to teammates.

Through Balls and Breaking Lines*: Learn to spot and execute incisive passes that break the opposition’s defensive lines. “The best players can break lines with the ball at their feet… exploiting space and dominating 1v1 in central areas.” (My Personal Football Coach, 1)

Dribbling

Ball Control: Work on close control to maneuver through tight spaces.

Feints and Turns: Practice moves like the Cruyff turn, stepovers, and body feints to beat defenders.

Receiving Under Pressure: Midfielders usually operate in the center of the field resulting in them always being marked by the opposing players. Midfielders must learn the ability to receive the ball when they are being marked. The higher the level of playing the more crucial this skill becomes, “At the highest level of the game you have to be able to receive the ball under pressure.” (My Personal Football Coach, 1) 

Shooting

Positioning: Understanding the best positions to take shots from and finding these positions regularly throughout the game

Techniques: Mifielders must master a wide array of shooting techniques to beat the goal keeper. Especially from distance midfielders should learn how to curve, chip, and drive the ball past the goalkeeper into the net. 

Part 3: Physical Fitness

Stamina

“Football is a physically demanding sport, with professional players covering up to 11km during the course of a 90-minute match.” (Clark, 1)

Endurance Training: Incorporate long-distance running, interval training, and sprints to build stamina.

Strength

Core Strength: Do exercises like planks, sit-ups, and leg raises to build core stability.

Leg Strength: Squats, lunges, and calf raises help develop the leg muscles essential for powerful shots and long passes.

Agility

Agility Drills: Use ladder drills, cone drills, and shuttle runs to improve agility and quickness.

Balance Exercises: Incorporate balance boards and one-leg stands into your training.

Part 4: Tactical Awareness

Positioning

(In this image you can see the player in orange scanning over his shoulder to get a bearing on where he will receive pressure from. Mg, Touchline Theory, 7 Oct. 2021, http://touchlinetheory.com/coaching-vision-how-to-turn-scanning-research-into-training-deluxe-edition-as-seen-on-soccer-detail/.)

Off-the-Ball Movement: Learn to make intelligent runs to create space and passing options.

Reading the Game

Anticipation: Develop the ability to anticipate opponents’ moves and intercept passes.

Decision Making: Enhance your decision-making skills under pressure to choose the best options quickly.

Part 5: Mental Toughness

Confidence

Self-Belief: Maintain confidence in your abilities, even when things aren't going your way.

Positive Thinking: Focus on positive outcomes and learn from mistakes.

Concentration

Focus Drills: Engage in exercises that improve concentration, like visualization and mindfulness.

Staying Alert: Stay mentally engaged throughout the game, even during periods of low activity.

Part 6: Tactical Training

Formations and Systems

Understanding Formations: Learn how different formations affect your role and responsibilities.

Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your playing style based on the team’s tactical setup.

Set Pieces

Defensive Duties: Know your role during defensive set pieces like corners and free kicks.

Attacking Strategies: Practice routines for attacking set pieces to maximize scoring opportunities.

Part 7: Team Play and Communication

Communication

Verbal Communication: Use clear and concise communication to coordinate with teammates.

Non-Verbal Cues: Develop an understanding of body language and gestures to aid communication.

Leadership

Leading by Example: Demonstrate hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude.

Encouraging Teammates: Motivate and support your teammates, especially during challenging moments.

Part 8: Continuous Improvement

Self-Assessment

Reflect on Performances: Regularly analyze your performances to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Seek Feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from coaches and teammates.

Setting Goals

Short-Term Goals: Set achievable short-term goals to maintain motivation and track progress.

Long-Term Goals: Have long-term objectives that align with your career aspirations.

Conclusion

Becoming a better soccer midfielder requires a holistic approach that requires a player to break the position down into separate skills and master each one. Technical skills, physical fitness, tactical awareness, mental toughness, and effective communication are all crucial to the midfielder position. By committing to continuous improvement and embracing the diverse demands of the midfield role, you can elevate your game. The journey to becoming an exceptional midfielder is ongoing, and every training session, match, and self-reflection is an opportunity to grow and develop.

Works Cited

My Personal Football Coach. “5 Key Attributes of Great Midfielders.” My Personal Football Coach, 29 Oct. 2020, mypersonalfootballcoach.com/5-key-attributes-of-top-midfielders/. 

Clark, Ben. “Fitness for a Box-to-Box Midfielder.” Fourfourtwo.Com, FourFourTwo, 22 June 2016, www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/fitness-a-box-box-midfielder. 

Mg. “Coaching ‘Vision’: How to Turn Scanning Research into Training, Deluxe Edition (as Seen on Soccer Detail).” Touchline Theory, 7 Oct. 2021, touchlinetheory.com/coaching-vision-how-to-turn-scanning-research-into-training-deluxe-edition-as-seen-on-soccer-detail/.

Mulcahy, John. “SSA Blog: The Art of Scanning.” Sport Science Agency, Sport Science Agency, 29 Nov. 2023, www.sportscienceagency.com/blog/2023/10/16/ssa-blog-the-art-of-scanning#:~:text=Scanning%2C%20sometimes%20referred%20to%20as,%2C%20opponents%2C%20and%20the%20ball.