defensive mid

[vlsc12]

hi everyone! for the past couple of years i have played sweeper and forward and i have incredible speed and power and my shot is very good(i think so). and im about to start the spring season and my coach has decided to move me to defensive mid. because he wants me to have the ball more. i of course have absolutely no idea how to play defensive mid. and i have about a week to learn. so if anybody out there can give me some good tips or some do's and don'ts that would be very helpfull. thanks!

[Bosanski Vojnik]

Ok this realy depends on what type of Def mid you coach wants to play you at.

He might want you as a box to box defensive mid, a holding defensive anchorman or a defensive mid playmaker, but becuase you say that you have a good shot and great speed and power i reccomend you to play a box to box defensive mid.

look at videos of how patrick viera played at arsenal and steven gerrard atdef mid to learn more about this position.

[~zero_signal~]

It depends on, like bosniak said, what your coach wants from you by moving you to defensive midfield. You said that he wants you to have more of the ball, so I would suggest that you attempt to play as either a 'box to box' DM or as a creative DM. To play as a 'box to box' DM, you need the skills of a central midfielder -- on-the-ball talent for passing and keeping possession, excellent stamina to run around for 90 minutes, and developed tackling skill. You said that you have a good shot, which is a bonus since you need to join in attacking moves when necessary. As a creative DM, you would probably require the same creative skills as a 'box to box' DM, but arguably less defensive discipline (eg. more focus on passing, keeping possession and creating attacking plays, and less focus on recovering the ball, tackling and stamina). Remember, in these 2 DM styles, you have more influence on the game than any other player. Only a CM exerts the same degree of control.

If your coach wants you to operate as more of a holding DM, you would require as much stamina as a 'box to box' defensive midfielder and hold a high regard for defensive discipline (eg. winning the ball back, tackling, marking and neutralizing key opposition players). Skill in this area (eg. passing ability and creating attacks) would be of secondary importance.

Two other key areas that I would suggest you concentrate on are: vision/awareness and leadership. From experience, I can genuinely say that DM is the most difficult position I ever played, and I played in every position during a decade, except GK. DM requires you to always keep an eye out for the details in a game that other players may overlook. You need to be attentive. It also helps if you demand respect from the players in your team and shout out orders when defending as a whole unit -- you're in a position to act as a leader here.

Use these players as examples for the 3 main DM styles:

'Box to Box' DM (Central/Defensive Mid.) -- Michael Essien, Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira.
Creative DM -- Andrea Pirlo, Xavi and David Pizarro.
Holding DM -- Gennaro Gattuso, Javier Mascherano and Claude Makelele.

This is just one guy's view though, but I hope this helps.

[vlsc12]

thanks

[mirha494]

I found a good article on this page:

soccer-training-guide.com/defensive-midfielder.html

I think you should check it out.