Recovery Run: Midfield

Set up

Field

Mark a 60x44 yard area. Divide it into three horizontal zones measuring 18, 24, and 18 yards deep.

Players

14 or more players. Seven a side, each team in a 1-4-1 with a goalkeeper: one defender in its own third, four midfielders in the middle third, and a target forward in the attacking third.

How it runs

1. 1.The coach feeds the ball into the middle third to begin.
2. 2.A 4vs4 is played inside the central third.
3. 3.Each team looks to find its Target Forward.
4. 4.Once the Target Player receives, one additional midfielder may move forward to support the attack.
5. 5.The defending team recognizes that support run and is allowed to send one defender back into the final third.
6. 6.Standard offside applies once the ball reaches the Target Player.
7. 7.No player may cross a zone line before the ball has been played to the Target Player.
8. 8.If the defenders regain possession, they pass back into the central third.