Shaping Midfielders and Forwards in the 4-4-2

Shaping Midfielders and Forwards in the 4-4-2

Provided by: The National Soccer Coaches Association of America - NSCAA

Space – 70 yds long x 75 yds wide
Two forwards and four midfielders with opposing goalkeeper.
Zone 30 yds from goal line – players not allowed to cross zone line
Coach has a supply of balls 70 yds from goal

Description of Exercise

A shadow play exercise to work on shaping the movement of the two forwards.
e.g. when the ball is played to (7), (9), and (10) wide to move into space so that (7) can play to (9) or bypass to (10).

Purpose of Exercise

To maximize the passing options into the front two.

Organization

Same as previous, with addition of two defenders to mark forwards: and .

Description of Exercise

Midfield players pass the ball amongst themselves. Forwards move to get open, timing check runs with midfield passes.

Purpose of Exercise

• To get forwards to time check to ball
• Help midfielders make quality passes and recognize running patterns with forwards
• Teach forwards to combine and score

Organization

Same as previous, with addition of three defenders to mark midfielders:
If defenders win ball, they can counterattack and score into goals.

Description of Exercise
The four attacking midfielders keep ball until they can find passing windows to forwards between defenders and .

Purpose of Exercise

• Teach forwards to time checks based on visual cues of when attacking midfielders have passing windows
• Teach midfieldersj when to penetrate, proper support angles, and proper pace & spin on entry passes
• Teach forward to combine and score

Organization

Same as previous, introducing two defensive outside backs.

Description of Exercise

Same as before, with one attacking midfielder allowed to enter final third in two situations:
-part of a 3-man combination (shown)
-penetrate on the dribble

Purpose of Exercise

• Teach midfield players where and when to make runs into the final third
• Teach forwards to rebound ball to midfielders to create scoring opportunities
• Teach forwards to play against the back line

Organization

Remove zonal restrictions from game.

Description of Exercise

Six attackers vs. eight defenders.
Attackers combine with forwards and each other.
Defenders counter to small goals.

Purpose of Exercise

Coordinate movements of midfielders and forwards in a 4-4-2 phase of play exercise.