How to Get Past a Middle Fielder in Soccer

The middle fielder on a soccer team can make or break an entire defensive unit. A weak middle fielder will not be able to support the other players, and will make it possible for the other team to score more easily. For this reason, the middle fielder is generally one of the stronger players on the team. Getting past this player requires substantial practice with the rest of your team to outsmart and outmaneuver him. There are three types of middle fielders: the winger that plays on the right or left side, the attacker that plays in the center, and the holding center, which plays just behind the attacker.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer field
  • Soccer ball
  • Teammates
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice passing the ball between three of your teammates. Passing is the best way to get around the middle fielders. With a team member on either side of you, practice passing to each other while running. The member on your right will pass to you, followed by your pass to the member on on the left.

    • 2

      Stage mock drills in which you have three players playing defense and trying to get the ball away, and three players playing offense trying to get past the middle fielder. Remember that you can pass the ball backwards to a person behind you if it helps open up another offensive player to receive the ball. Sometimes moving backward on the field is the best way to move forward.

    • 3

      Practice your dribbling skills by running and keeping the ball between your legs while running at a high speed. If you can't run quickly and maintain control of the ball, the middle fielder will be able to take possession. When practicing, avoid looking at the ball. This will ensure that you develop the ability to keep your eye on your opponent and let your feet maintain control of the ball.

    • 4

      Play mock games and have specific exercises designed to prepare you to deal with middle fielders. One excellent game is to have an equal number of offensive and defensive players. Make the goal of the exercise to get past the defense of the other team. Don't try and score; run the drill 10 times just to the point where the offense is able to get past the defensive middle fielders.

    • 5

      Look in the opposite direction that you are going to kick the ball when confronted with a middle fielder. You can also try moving your body to the right or left, before kicking the ball in the opposite direction. You can practice these drills with a teammate to improve your ability to fake out the middle fielder.