1. Three Types of Midfielders
There are three general types of midfielders in soccer and a team can have three to five on the field depending on the formation. These are the center, left and right midfielders. The center midfielders are usually more balanced, as they play offense, defense and generally try to control the pace of the game. Left and right midfielders have the responsibility of making sure the ball gets to the forwards and does not get past them to the other team's forwards. The responsibilities of each can vary depending on the game plan and the player alignment on the field.
2. Passing Skills
A midfielder is a facilitator of the transition from defense to offense; therefore, passing skills are an absolute must for any midfielder. They not only must have the passing skills but a keen understanding of when to pass and where to pass is necessary to play the midfield position. You also need an understanding of when to attack and when to rotate the ball back to set up the offense.
3. Jack of All Trades and MVP
In just a few minutes of play a midfielder may have to make a pass to a forward, slide tackle an offensive player and block a shot on goal. These are just some examples of the responsibilities placed on the midfielder. You have to practice every facet of the game and do everything well to be an effective midfielder. Versatile midfielders are possibly the most valuable players on a soccer team.
4. Ball Control
It may seem obvious, but the more a team controls the soccer ball the better the chances of success. This control is where the midfielder comes in. If you play the position but can't control the soccer ball with deft passing and dribbling, then you are probably playing the wrong position. You must win a majority if the fifty-fifty plays to attain proper ball control and dictate the tempo of the game. A fifty-fifty ball is when either team has a chance for possession and only the players that want it more gain possession.
5. Train for Non-stop Action
As a midfielder, you must possess incredible stamina and range on the soccer field. A midfielder must play offense, defense and run to the soccer ball wherever it is on field. If you stop moving for more than an instant as a midfielder then you are doing something wrong. Therefore, to prepare you for the physical demands of the position you should perform as much cardiovascular conditioning as possible to train for your job on the soccer field.
There are three general types of midfielders in soccer and a team can have three to five on the field depending on the formation. These are the center, left and right midfielders. The center midfielders are usually more balanced, as they play offense, defense and generally try to control the pace of the game. Left and right midfielders have the responsibility of making sure the ball gets to the forwards and does not get past them to the other team's forwards. The responsibilities of each can vary depending on the game plan and the player alignment on the field.
2. Passing Skills
A midfielder is a facilitator of the transition from defense to offense; therefore, passing skills are an absolute must for any midfielder. They not only must have the passing skills but a keen understanding of when to pass and where to pass is necessary to play the midfield position. You also need an understanding of when to attack and when to rotate the ball back to set up the offense.
3. Jack of All Trades and MVP
In just a few minutes of play a midfielder may have to make a pass to a forward, slide tackle an offensive player and block a shot on goal. These are just some examples of the responsibilities placed on the midfielder. You have to practice every facet of the game and do everything well to be an effective midfielder. Versatile midfielders are possibly the most valuable players on a soccer team.
4. Ball Control
It may seem obvious, but the more a team controls the soccer ball the better the chances of success. This control is where the midfielder comes in. If you play the position but can't control the soccer ball with deft passing and dribbling, then you are probably playing the wrong position. You must win a majority if the fifty-fifty plays to attain proper ball control and dictate the tempo of the game. A fifty-fifty ball is when either team has a chance for possession and only the players that want it more gain possession.
5. Train for Non-stop Action
As a midfielder, you must possess incredible stamina and range on the soccer field. A midfielder must play offense, defense and run to the soccer ball wherever it is on field. If you stop moving for more than an instant as a midfielder then you are doing something wrong. Therefore, to prepare you for the physical demands of the position you should perform as much cardiovascular conditioning as possible to train for your job on the soccer field.
