Passing & Build-Up | Circulating the Ball Through Midfield

Overview

• Teach your players to move the ball through midfield and pass their way around the defense
• Read and technique for line-breaking passes — playing back, then forward through the lines
• Accuracy and decision-making on the switch — a big pass to the far side
• Sharpen the basic actions in an unopposed setting

Objectives

• The ability to circulate the ball quickly and set the tempo of the game
• A possession mindset where receivers move to get open
• Crisp passing and fast decisions
• Finding pockets to receive away from a marker

Setup

Set 10 players in midfield and have them circulate the ball through the middle, repeatedly working line-breaking passes and switches of play.

１）Field size is 60m×40m — spread the 10 players out fairly evenly

２）One player starts on the ball and passes to a teammate nearby

３）Receivers are always on the move, opening up a good angle to receive

４）Push them to play back and then forward with a ‘line-breaking pass’

５）Every so often, switch the play with a big pass to the opposite side

６）Keep the ball moving — the circulation never stops

７）In 2–3 minute blocks, count passes or tempo and turn it into a competition — that works well