Tips on playing midfield.

[Utd16]

I just need the top stuff you need to know to play midfield. I had a bad game last night and I just wanted to review what I did wrong

[ranova]

Everybody makes mistakes.

The first rule is to get over it so you can get on with the game. Everybody has room for improvement. Its when players think they have no more room for improvement that they really make a mistake.

The second rule is to ask for help which you have done, but there is a better source of help. If you have a coach, he or she should be the one suggesting ways for you to improve your play. Some teams use role players and some use general purpose midfielders. Some coaches allow players freedom to roam, some don't. The coach can explain your team's system of play, and what you are expected to do in specific situations. If your team doesn't have a coach then ask another midfielder on your team that you think is playing well.

[snolly g]

I just need the top stuff you need to know to play midfield. I had a bad game last night and I just wanted to review what I did wrong
did you have something specific in mind?

if you're talking about skills, there's only one thing you can do: practice.

if you're talking about where you should be on the field, ranova has it right (again): it all depends on how your team is set up.

[badboy_Nick]

Improve passing accuracy ... most important part in midfield. And stamina, of course :)

[zombiematty]

These three drills helped me the most as a midfielder:

1. Get with a friend and run down the pitch parallel to each other. Maintain about 20 feet distance from each other and pass the ball back and forth until you're about 20 feet away from the goal, then set up the assist and let your friend be the striker and take the shot. Then go back upfield doing the same thing. As you get better at passing, see how fast you can go.

2. Play some one-on-one. This is great for stamina, ball control, and figuring out how to read a keeper if you ever find yourself with a shot at the goal. Plus it's just a lot of fun. You can either be a keeper and wait for your friend to take the shot, or run out and challenge them for the ball. (Which is what I do like every time because I'm a lousy keeper.)

3. Juggling. I know, I know, everybody says that juggling has absolutely nothing to do with actual gameplay, and they're right, but I feel it gives a better understanding of ball control and adds to overall confidence when you have possession of the ball. You can do this for hours by yourself in your front yard.

I think the most important thing for a midfielder to remember is it's all about the defense and the assist. Stay on your man, but don't be afraid to take an opportunity. You have to react fast, and it's all about setting up the goal. Don't be too hasty when you have the ball, pass a lot, and go for the assist, not the goal. Nothing made me crazier than ball-hogging midfielders trying to be the star. (Unless you have a good shot at the goal, in which case, don't hesitate to pull the trigger!)

Actually, the most important thing is to have fun. Hang in there--we've ALL had bad games. I had a hugely embarrassing handball once--basically just reached out and slapped the ball. Enjoy what you're doing, laugh and learn at your mistakes, and move on. In five years, nobody will remember whether you were any good or not, but they'll remember a positive attitude.

[Antonio81]

Practice your technique, passing and free-kicks in particular. The midfielder(along with wingers) should be the best technical players on the field. Long-range shooting is important too. Bottom line, the midfielder has to read and control the tempo of the game, and remain calm even when other players loose it.

A man-marking midfielder is a whole different ballgame, and needs more defensive skills.

[Natsoccer]

A lot of the time, I have a bad game, and when I review the tapes, it's ALWAYS because I think of myself over others. I don't know if it's the same with you, but when I try to do it all myself, I end up doing nothing with it. Hope that helps.

[lilterwill99]

MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR MIDFIELDERS!!!

recover back!!!!!!!!!!!

i think every coach will agree with me about this... recovering to support your defense on the counter attack is HUGE. also staying with your mark. especially on outside mid. an open outside mid is what the center mids/forwards look for to play a corner ball.

[Josh Clifford]

Always want the ball & make yourself available for your team mates. Its why your in there to keep the team togther.

[Ronaldihno34]

Practice,practice,practice

[Ronaldihno34]

use ancle weights to improve your speed and endurance. You will be able to run faster and to kick harder

[Kevin8833]

use ancle weights to improve your speed and endurance. You will be able to run faster and to kick harder
Um be careful about this, this can do more harm than good... I'm not saying it doesn't work because it does but just be careful of injury.

[Habitat]

My tactics. I remember every error I do in a game. And I go out the next day or the day after and work on improving in that field until I'm more comfortable.

I have the mind of a striker but when there is a garbage midfield I drop into the midfield and play center mid.

My main problem is not dropping back on defense fast enough. The other guy was correct, as a center midfielder you need to command the field and have great vision.

Look for passes, look for passes that other people don't see. Look for those through balls. If you're outside the box don't be afraid to bang it. Work on your touch because as a center midfielder you should have the ball at your feet a lot.

And when your offense isn't working out for you. Play a more defensive role...Also don't forget to use those wingers.

[essie]

when i played my big thing was as soon as i got the ball i passed. ofcourse only if you can.

[flyingdutch]

if you want to improve your skills, practice. bottomline. some helpful tips are to keep your head on a swivel. always know where everyone is around you. so when the ball comes to you it is easier to make a decision. your transition is also very important. helping out on both ends of the field is crucial. oh and it doesn't hurt to be in shape.

[Mattjv]

You could probably write books about how to play midfield, so rather than doing that, I will give you my number one complaint about midfielders.

I usually play left back and really appreciate when the person playing midfield in front of me gets back to help play defense, mark opposing players, etc. I can't stand it when I get beat b/c I am trying to mark two players then have a midfielder jog back and ask, 'what happened?'

Not only does getting back help your backline, it can also put you in a better position to launch a counter attack.

I don't know your particular situation, but some players are not suited to play particular positions. This would probably be something to discuss with your coach. I am pretty much worthless in the middle of the field, but on either flank, I like to think I can hold my own.

[feridc88]

One thing I learned from playing in Portugal with Maritimo's Reserves and talking to the team pychologist is that set out goals for your position next game. Next game if you are more of a defensive minded mid set out a goal of intercepting 5-10 passes and keep going up. Another thing is midfielders have to be composed while they are on the ball. You cant let pressure rush you, and you have to know when to speed up the game and when to slow it down hope this helps you. I'm 20 and I'm trying to go play in europe I have played on the best club team in my area and could have gone to D1 had I had good grades lol.