7 GREAT SKILLS for MIDFIELDERS

Summary

This video introduces seven essential midfield skills to improve your football game. It covers techniques like turning away from defenders, executing curved passes with your first touch, and timing through passes to surprise defenders. The video also explains the importance of holding the ball during breakaways, adjusting your first touch to counter defenders' momentum, and making quick foot adjustments before shooting. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of passing the ball ahead of teammates to maintain attacking momentum. Perfect for players looking to enhance their technical ability and football IQ on the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Turn your body to face away from a defender when receiving a pass to maintain control and evade pressure.
• 😀 Use the curve technique for your first touch when receiving a ball from the wing to surprise defenders and set up an ideal pass to a striker.
• 😀 In breakaway situations, avoid passing immediately; dribble toward the defender to force them to engage before making a pass to your teammate.
• 😀 Take your first touch against the momentum of the defender to create space and make it harder for them to recover.
• 😀 Perform a one-touch turn by using the inside of your foot and pivoting on your standing leg for a smooth and quick change of direction.
• 😀 Use a quick, small step adjustment before shooting to adjust your body and strike a ball that comes at different angles, heights, or speeds.
• 😀 When passing to a teammate facing downfield, aim to pass the ball slightly in front of them to maintain forward momentum and speed up the attack.
• 😀 Be aware of the defender's position and adjust your body to make the pass or turn more effective.
• 😀 Anticipate the space behind you when receiving a pass to make use of the open area and avoid being closed down.
• 😀 To execute a successful pass or turn, always focus on the defender's movement and the available space to make the best decision.

Q & A

What is the purpose of turning your body when receiving a pass while being pressured by a defender?

Turning your body so that your back faces the defender allows you to shield the ball and let it roll past you, gaining time and space to maintain possession.

Why is the curve technique important when receiving a pass from the wing?

The curve technique helps in curving the ball behind the defense and away from the goalkeeper, creating a perfect pass for the striker to run onto, often catching defenders off guard.

When should you wait before passing the ball during a breakaway situation?

During a breakaway, you should wait until the defender starts engaging you before passing the ball. This ensures that the defender doesn’t intercept or prevent your teammate from running at goal.

What is the advantage of using your first touch against the momentum of a closing defender?

By taking your first touch against the defender's momentum, you force them to move in the opposite direction, making it harder for them to recover and win the ball back.

How does the one-touch turn help you during a game?

The one-touch turn helps you quickly pivot and change direction while receiving the ball, making it easier to turn away from a defender and continue attacking.

Why is adjusting your feet important before shooting the ball?

Adjusting your feet before shooting allows you to align your body properly, enabling you to strike the ball cleanly despite varying ball heights, angles, and speeds.

How does passing the ball in front of a teammate improve the attack?

Passing the ball in front of a teammate lets them maintain their forward momentum, allowing them to move down the field more quickly and effectively continue the attack.

When is it necessary to pass the ball straight to someone's feet instead of in front of them?

When there is limited space for the receiver to move into, passing the ball straight to their feet ensures they can control it without being hindered by defenders.

What is the key to executing a successful first-time shot in midfield?

The key is to take quick, small steps before shooting, which helps adjust your body position to hit the ball cleanly, even if it’s coming from a difficult angle or speed.

Why is the curve pass particularly effective in breaking through defenses?

The curve pass is effective because it allows you to send the ball behind defenders while avoiding the goalkeeper, creating unexpected opportunities for attackers to run onto the ball.