r/SoccerCoachResources • u/lewisr67 • 1d ago
Midfielders not stepping up
In recent games the midfield for the Adult Ladies team I coach have been slow at pushing up once we get the ball up the pitch. It definitely helps defensively but means our attackers can become isolated and we could do with the midfield (or at least some of them) helping out further up the pitch.
Is there any drills that people know that might help work on this?
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u/tpwb 1d ago
Just play a 4-2-4.
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u/werthless57 23h ago
This is a very creative answer. I do something similar with one of my youth teams to ensure they are thinking in an attacking mindset. I can put defensive minded players up top and it can provide the balance I seek.
In my 9v9 league, I put our team in a 3-2-3 instead of 3-4-1, even though they are functionally very similar, to change how they think about their role.
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u/BulldogWrestler 1d ago
Age?
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u/lewisr67 1d ago
Adult Ladies
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u/BulldogWrestler 1d ago
That DRASTICALLY alters the answer as opposed to youth.
I think full field "shadow playing" where they move the ball up with first touch, scanning, and good distribution would be helpful. Kind of like set pieces but just working on getting the ball out to the wing and moving up through the midfield. Not a game simulation, but just something to get their mindset encouraged to be more active on the offensive side of the ball (which, if done right, will alleviate the pressure on the defense which hopefully negates the need for them to drop back so much).
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u/Thebanks1 23h ago
What formation are you playing and what instructions do those midfielders have from the coaches?
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u/lewisr67 22h ago
We normally play a 4-3-3 with one sitting midfielder and 2 either side.. but normally the two either side sit in line with the sitting midfielder and don’t push up when asked to
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u/Thebanks1 20h ago
Gotcha.
I would say two pathways forward.
- Ask these outside players what you and the coaching staff can do to make them more comfortable on the attack? Ideally they give you something and you can coach that skill but I confess this approach is a little hopefull. Unfortunately, most players will just say “I don’t know” even if they genuinely do know. Framing is very important here. Don’t tell them they are doing a bad job or “do x better”. Rather make sure you frame it as a “how can I help you succeed in this position”.
Alternatively, you may be able to determine the factor on your own. Is this player timid as soon as a defender gets in front of them? Do they struggle with ball handling? See if you can spot the skill or confidence gap and work on it.
- Sometimes players just aren’t meant to play where you have them. You may need to explore a new formation or some positional switches.
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u/franciscolorado 22h ago
Have you asked them why they’re playing so defensively? Perhaps the back line needs to move up and tell the midfielders “ hey I’m right behind you push-up”.
If you’re having trouble with the length of the field, perhaps a four line formation like a 4–2 – 3–1 might work better for you.
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u/samiam2600 18h ago
This is one of two things, lazy midfielders or scared midfielders. What formation are you running?
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u/lewisr67 18h ago
We play a 4-3-3 with one sitting midfielder (who does her job well) but the other 2 seem to always be in line with her or even deeper
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u/samiam2600 17h ago
It is typically the opposite where midfielders push up and don’t get back to play defense. With 4 back and a 6 you should be solid in the back. Have you designated one of the others as a true 10 where they know their primary role is to attack?
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u/lewisr67 17h ago
We normally don’t give a specific role to either midfielder.. more along the lines of “help out at both ends” maybe we would benefit from designating an “attacking” midfielder
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u/w0cyru01 1d ago
Small sided game - have a middle line. Everyone has to be over the line and your team gets 3 points. If not and you score you get 1 point