The Midfield



Rules for Midfield Players

The midfield players job is to help the defenders defend, and attackers attack. Midfield players generally operate between the two penalty areas.(Some midfielders are attacking midfielders, some are defensive. The best are both).

1. Midfielder players have to mark and tackle, track, and jockey when the opposing team has the ball. This requires that when the opposing team has the ball they all need to be between the ball and our goal.

2. When our team has the ball they have to make themselves available to receive a pass. This means standing a few yards diagonally in front of our player who has the ball.

3. When a midfield player gets the ball he should pass it (when ever possible) forward into space or diagonally to a team mate as soon as possible. (First or second touch).

4. The midfield players should 'cover' for one another so that not all of them are forward at the same time.




4. The midfield players should 'cover' for one another so that not all of them are forward at the same time.

5. Midfield players should never dribble, except in a 'one on one situation', in the last third of the field.

6. When the midfield player passes the ball to an attacking players and they should 'support' them. This means taking up a position along side and slightly to the front, not behind them.

7. The midfield player should be good at passing, crossing tackling, covering, shooting and running with and without the ball.

8. Midfield players must work as a unit, and switch positions to ensure the team keeps its shape This also means that they have to talk to each other and help each other.

9. Unless he is switching with another player each midfield player should keep to his area of the field.

10. Each midfield play has a specific job to do, and main areas of responsibility. Though all midfielders have to help defend and attack, each position is specialised. Some are expected to do more defending and others to do more attacking. BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR ROLE IS, AND WHAT YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TASKS ARE.

11. At corners where we are defending midfield players should mark someone or stand outside the area waiting for the ball to be played to them. At corners when we are attacking, our midfield place should know what space he is supposed to attack.

12. Both right and left side midfield players must commit to third and/or fourth man running.