Annual training plan · U14–U23

Week 49: Showing for the Ball – Centre-Backs, Full-Backs & Holding Midfielder

3 complete training sessions with 12 drills – created by licensed coaches. Open every drill in the easy2coach web app with one click.

This week’s focus

Showing for the ball and getting free can look very different depending on the position. A striker, for example, will always have a defender at his back, while a centre-back rarely has to expect pressure from behind. Players on the flank do not have to look in all directions when showing for the ball, because play is limited by the touchline. In addition, depending on the position, there are different options and aims for continuing play, which also influence showing for the ball and getting free.

To meet these position-specific demands of showing for the ball and getting free, this week and next week train movement off the ball in the individual positions. Showing for the ball and getting free are also linked with follow-up actions that regularly occur in the individual positions.

The first 3 sessions train how players who are directly involved in the build-up show for the ball and get free. It starts with the centre-back position, which plays a very important role in shaping the build-up. On the one hand, the central defender aims to drive the game forward. At the same time, he must also be able to move away correctly to escape pressure situations.

The two following sessions continue with how the full-backs and the holding midfielders show for the ball and get free. The first of these positions mainly provides width to pull the opponent apart. At the same time, provided he shows for the ball at the right height after a switch of play, the full-back can already dribble past the opposition midfield line.

The holding midfielder has very different ways of getting involved in the build-up. That is why how the defensive midfielder shows for the ball and gets free is trained not only in the last session of this week but also in the first session of next training week.

In the 2nd and 3rd sessions of next week, players will also train how to show for the ball and get free in depth, in order not only to receive the ball but also to get into a favourable starting position for continuing play.

Author Luis Österlein

Session 1

4 drills

The centre-backs' movement to show for the ball is already crucial when the goalkeeper starts play. Depending on the positioning of the opposing strikers, the centre-back must show for the ball in such a way that they have enough time to control the ball and continue play. The centre-back can even stand right on the goal line if the opposing strikers push up as far as the penalty area. A rule change before this season has made starting play somewhat easier – players of the team in possession are now also allowed to show for the ball inside the penalty area when play is started by the goalkeeper.

Once play has been started successfully, the centre-backs can begin the build-up. The two central defenders operate in a withdrawn position, behind the holding midfielders and full-backs. For the centre-backs, it is important to always keep an eye on the game in front of them so as not to come under pressure unnecessarily. That is why the central defenders always show for the ball in an open body position.

If there are no passing options further forward in the build-up at first, play is initially built up across the width via the full-backs. Here it is important that the centre-backs always move away to make themselves available for a pass.

At the same time, the far-side centre-back can also push up if they have space ahead and can speed up play after a switch. The only important thing is that the central defender does not disappear into a cover shadow.

Coaching points for this session

Centre-backs showing for the ball and getting free:

  • When building up play, drop away far enough to have enough space to control the ball and for the follow-up action
  • Always be available for a pass and signal it (calls & dropping away)
  • Push up if the strikers can be dribbled past/played past after a switch of play (but without disappearing into the cover shadow)
Drill 1

Passing: Central Passing Point with a Fast Passing Sequence

15 min
  • The central players break out of the middle and show for the ball to an outer player.
  • The outer player passes to a central player, follows the pass into the centre and takes over the central position there.
  • The central player who has received the ball passes anticlockwise to the next outer player and joins the queue there.
  • The passing sequence continues in this way: outside, centre, outside.

Variations:

  • Practise clockwise.
  • Play the passing sequence alternately diagonally and sideways: the central player turns and passes to the opposite side, then as before again.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones form an outer square, four poles an inner one.

Equipment: 4 cones, 4 poles and 2 balls.

Players: Two players in the centre and at least two players at each outer cone. The players at two diagonally opposite outer cones have a ball.

Coaching points
  • Demand calls.
  • Get free with a preparatory movement.
  • Control the ball and play it on quickly.
  • Drop away first and then move towards the ball.
Drill 2

Build-Up Play in the Centre

20 minHalf a pitch
  • The first striker plays to the holding midfielder.
  • The holding midfielder drops the ball off to the number ten.
  • The number ten plays to the first centre-back, who plays the ball to the holding midfielder once more.
  • The holding midfielder passes the ball to the second centre-back.
  • The second centre-back plays to the second striker, who is showing for the ball.
  • The second striker lays the ball off for the shot to the onrushing number ten.
  • Change of positions: the striker goes to the position of the number ten, the number ten to that of the holding midfielder, the holding midfielder to that of the centre-back and the centre-back to the other centre-back position.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Six cones mark the positions; a goal stands at one end.

Equipment: 6 cones, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: Two strikers, two centre-backs, a holding midfielder and a number ten; plus a goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • The centre-backs drop away before they receive the ball.
  • Make sure the tempo is close to match speed.
  • Play the forward passes with sufficient pace.
Drill 3

Complete Course Finishing After Switches of Play and Coordination

25 minHalf a pitch
  • The coach gives a starting command on which all three players set off at the same time. Player A dribbles in a slalom through the cones, Player B crosses the agility ladder with short, quick steps, and Player C crosses the rings in the same way.
  • Player A runs over the hurdles. Player B turns with the ball with the back to the goal and pulls the ball back with every step, alternating between left and right, up to the second red cone. Player C moves with side steps through the poles lying on the ground. Player B then plays a pass to Player C.
  • Player A sprints towards the square, runs around it with the front of the body always facing forwards and sprints to the last yellow cone. Player B sprints in a slalom through the poles. Player C dribbles towards the pole, goes past it on the inside with a step-over and plays the ball into the middle to Player B.
  • Player B takes the pass and shoots at goal while still in front of the penalty area.
  • After each run the players jog gently to the next position; Player C always takes the ball shot by Player B along to position A.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Three parallel lanes with the starting positions A, B and C. The lanes lead through a cone slalom, an agility ladder, rings, hurdles, a square of tall cones and a pole slalom up to the goal.

Equipment: 6 cones in 3 colours, 5 rings, 9 poles, 1 agility ladder, 9 tall cones, 3 hurdles, 1 goal and one ball per run.

Players: The players spread out evenly across the starting positions A, B and C; all players at position A have a ball. In addition there is one goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • Besides their own task, also keep an eye on the team-mate so that the drill runs in a coordinated way.
  • Carry out the exercises with high quality and increase the tempo as the drill goes on.
Drill 4

Finishing Training: Triple Finish

25 min
  • The action starts centrally: the player dribbles towards the dummy, goes past it with a feint and finishes at goal.
  • Immediately afterwards this player plays a one-two with the right-hand player.
  • The right-hand player lays the ball off square to the left-hand player, who finishes first time at goal.
  • The central player makes an overlapping run around the right-hand dummy and receives a ball played into the space by the coach.
  • This player crosses to the players making crossing runs in the middle, who finish first time if possible.
  • Afterwards the players collect the balls and join one of the three groups on their own.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Three dummies or poles represent the opponents; there is a goal at one end.

Equipment: 3 dummies or poles, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: Three groups — central, right and left; plus one goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • Change pace after the feint.
  • In the one-two, change pace after the first pass.
  • Pass firmly into the team-mate's foot.
  • Do not make the run too early.
  • Drop away on the far side from the ball beforehand and then make a diagonal run towards the goal and the crosser.
The complete session as a ready-made training plan – with animated drills in the web app. Go to the web app

Session 2

4 drills

In the build-up, the full-back's main role is to use the full width of the pitch in order to pull the opponent apart or to lure the opponent to one side. The full-back operates roughly level with the central midfielders. However, deviations can also be observed, depending on the team's own and the opponent's style of play.

For example, against an opponent with 3 strikers, play can also be built up with a flat back four. This creates a numerical advantage against the 3 strikers, which makes it easier to play or dribble past the opponent's first line. But the other extreme is also possible. If a team plays, for example, with a dropping holding midfielder or a back three, the full-backs can push up very high to tie up opponents high up the pitch. As a result, the full-backs are no longer directly involved in the build-up but act more as target players high up the pitch.

When the full-back is involved in the build-up, the same principle applies as for the centre-back – do not operate in a closed body position. The full-back moves with their back to the touchline, or rather with the body facing slightly forwards. However, the full-back should not move with their back to the direction of play. Thanks to the half-open body position, the full-back makes ideal use of their range of vision and can keep an eye on the space further forward as well as the centre-backs and the centre of the pitch.

If a pass to a full-back is on the cards, it is important that the full-back gets sufficiently away from their opponent. This makes it possible to receive or take the ball in stride in an open body position and makes it easier to play forward.

If the full-back receives the ball after a switch of play, it is important that they push up as high as possible beforehand. The full-back should not disappear into their opponent's cover shadow, though. In addition, the full-back should not push up too early, so that they can still intervene if possession is suddenly lost during the switch of play.

Coaching points for this session

Full-backs showing for the ball and getting free:

  • Operate in a half-open body position
  • Make the game as wide as possible
  • Tie up opponents as far away from the team's own goal as possible. At the same time, however, do not disappear into the cover shadow of the opposing strikers.
  • Drop away in order to be able to control the ball facing the direction of play

Alternative ways for a full-back to show for the ball in the build-up:

  • Operate high up the pitch (especially when the team builds up play with 3 centre-backs)
  • Operate level with the centre-backs to create an overload against 3 strikers
  • “Inverting” full-backs: look for a run into the centre to tie up the opponent and open the passing lane from the centre-back to the winger
Drill 1

Dribbling in the Centre with Passing

15 min
  • The two players with a ball dribble towards the middle at the same time.
  • They dribble around the middle cone.
  • They then pass at a 90-degree angle to the next player.
  • The passers follow their ball.
  • The receivers carry out the drill in exactly the same way; the drill continues as a continuous passing sequence.

Variations:

  • Pass the ball to the left or to the right.
  • Let the ball swing between the legs.
  • Cut in front of the cone and then pass the ball on at a 90-degree angle.
  • Combine the cut with a scissors, a shot feint or a body feint.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones form a square, another one stands in the middle.

Equipment: 5 cones and 2 balls.

Players: The players spread out evenly across all corners; one ball lies at each of two diagonally opposite corners.

Coaching points

Carry out further variations:

  • Pass the ball to the left/right
  • Let the ball swing between the legs
  • Cut in front of the cone and then pass the ball on at 90 degrees
  • Combine the cut with a scissors/shot feints/body feint
Drill 2

Short Passing Drill in a Diamond

20 min
  • Player A plays a pass to Player B.
  • Player B turns and plays the ball to Player C.
  • Player C takes the ball in an open body position and passes to Player D.
  • Player D passes to Player E, who turns and passes to Player F.
  • Player F takes the ball in an open body position and plays it to the starting position of Player A.
  • After a few runs the drill can be carried out with two balls.

Variations:

  • Player A passes to Player B, who lays the ball back to Player A; Player A plays on to Player C, who takes the ball in an open position and passes to Player D.
  • As before, but Player C plays a one-two with Player B and then continues to Player D.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Six cones mark the positions A to F in a diamond shape.

Equipment: 6 cones and one to two balls.

Players: One player at each of the positions A to F; at the start Players A and D have a ball as soon as the drill is played with two balls.

Coaching points
  • Players A and D drop away before they receive the ball.
  • Player B turns with the foot furthest from the opponent and plays the ball into Player C's front foot.
  • Player C drops away to the side into an open body position and takes the ball with pace.
  • In the variations Player B drops away to the far side from the ball after the lay-off in order to open up the passing lane.
  • In the variations Player C passes firmly into team-mate B's foot and makes an explosive change of pace after the pass.
  • If the distance to the opponent is too great, Player C dribbles at the opponent before the one-two.
Drill 3

Passing Loop for the Full-Back Tucking Inside

30 minHalf a pitch
  • The right-hand defender dribbles forward, cuts and plays the ball to the right-hand centre-back.
  • The right-hand centre-back switches play to the left-hand centre-back.
  • At the same moment the left-hand defender sets off inside, while the left-hand attacking player moves out to the touchline.
  • The left-hand centre-back plays the ball to the left-hand attacking player.
  • The left-hand attacking player goes into the 1 vs 1 and past the opponent towards the goal line.
  • At the same time the right-hand attacking player sets off: this player first runs with the defensive line and pulls to the near post just before the square pass.
  • The left-hand attacking player delivers the ball into the area in front of the goal.
  • The right-hand attacking player or the left-hand defender who has run through finishes first time.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Six cones mark the positions, three dummies represent opponents; there is a goal at one end.

Equipment: 6 cones, 3 dummies, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: Two full-backs, two centre-backs and two attacking players; plus one goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • The right-hand defender changes pace after cutting.
  • Switch play with firm passes and two touches.
  • The left-hand attacking player dribbles forward vertically and goes past the opponent with a feint and a change of pace.
  • This player delivers the cross at full speed.
  • The left-hand defender and the right-hand attacking player do not make their runs too early.
  • They make diagonal runs towards the goal and the crosser.
Drill 4

Parallel Finishing

20 min
  • The first players at the positions A and B dribble forward a little at the same time.
  • They play a well-timed pass into the finishing zone of the other player.
  • Both continue their run towards the finishing zone.
  • They finish first time or take one touch depending on the quality of the pass.
  • Afterwards they join the queue next to the goal.

Variations:

  • Dribbling with a feint in front of the middle zone.
  • Diagonal lofted balls.
  • Carry out the drill in the opposite direction of play.
  • Take the ball with the inside or with the outside of the foot.
  • Carry the ball on with the first touch and then finish.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Eight cones mark the starting positions A and B as well as a middle zone as the finishing zone; there is a goal at each end.

Equipment: 2 goals, 8 cones and several balls.

Players: The players spread out evenly across the positions A and B; plus goalkeepers.

Coaching points
  • Pick up speed after the pass.
  • Pass the ball into the team-mate's run.
  • Get to the finish quickly.
  • Look up from the ball once more before finishing.

Session 3

4 drills

The holding midfielder has very different ways of showing for the ball to the centre-backs in the build-up. Different options arise depending on whether the team plays with 1 or 2 holding midfielders. In principle, the holding midfielders show for the ball behind the opposing strikers. Only when playing with a dropping holding midfielder does that player operate in front of and not behind the opposing strikers.

Below, some options for showing for the ball and getting free are presented for systems with 1 holding midfielder and with a double pivot.

Showing for the ball and getting free with one holding midfielder:

  • Showing in the gap: The holding midfielder moves into the gap between the opposing strikers in order to receive a pass from a centre-back. Ideally, the holding midfielder receives a diagonal pass, which makes it easier to take the ball directly forward in stride.
  • Getting free with a counter-movement: If a centre-back has the ball and the chance to dribble forward, the centre-back is then closed down by the nearest opposing midfielder. Here holding midfielders often make the mistake of coming towards the ball and showing for it in the direction of the centre-back's dribbling path. If, on the other hand, the holding midfielder moves away on the far side, the opposing midfielder is faced with a real problem. The opposing player can mark the holding midfielder, which allows the centre-back to keep dribbling forward, or the centre-back is closed down. In this case, the centre-back can find the holding midfielder.
  • Dropping holding midfielder: the holding midfielder moves between the centre-backs, who now position themselves somewhat wider. With the 3 players in the first line, an overload against the 2 strikers can now be exploited.

Showing for the ball and getting free with 2 holding midfielders:

  • Ball-side goes, far side comes: Here the ball-side holding midfielder makes a forward run and opens up the space. The far-side holding midfielder runs into this space and can take the ball diagonally forward in their stride.
  • Holding the centre: This is an attempt to tie up the opponents in the middle of the pitch. If this succeeds, the centre-backs can play the ball forward in the half-space.
  • Forming a staggered shape in depth: This allows the deeper holding midfielder to receive a pass and lay the ball off to the 2nd holding midfielder. That player can now operate facing the direction of play
Coaching points for this session
  • Scan in advance
  • Try to operate in a half-open body position so as to keep an eye on the centre-backs as well as the space ahead and the opponents behind.
  • Show for the ball in the gaps
  • Dropping holding midfielder
  • Get free with opposite movements
  • Ball-side goes, far side comes short
  • Form a staggered shape in depth
  • Hold the centre
Drill 1

Showing for the Ball and Getting Free in the Centre

20 min
  • The holding midfielder dribbles forward, while the number eight and the number ten cross over and get free in an arc.
  • The holding midfielder plays to the number ten.
  • The number ten lays the ball off to the number eight.
  • The number eight takes the ball and passes to the number nine, who shows for the ball to the side.
  • The number nine dribbles towards the starting position.
  • Then everyone moves on one station.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones form a square, another cone lies outside it.

Equipment: 5 cones and several balls.

Players: Four players in the positions of the holding midfielder, the number eight, the number ten and the number nine.

Coaching points
  • Pay attention to the staggering in depth.
  • The number ten lays the ball off with the foot furthest from the opponent.
  • The holding midfielder plays a firm pass.
  • The number eight takes the ball straight into the stride.
Drill 2

Passing, Coordination and Sprinting

20 min
  • Player A passes to Player B alongside the left flag pole.
  • Player B lays the ball back to Player A with the right foot.
  • Player A passes to Player B alongside the right flag pole.
  • Player B lays the ball back to Player A with the left foot.
  • After a few runs the coach gives a command; Player B then sprints to the small hurdles.
  • Player B jumps over the hurdles with both feet.
  • Then this player sprints through the small cone goal.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two flag poles stand between the two players; to the side there are three small hurdles, behind them cones form a small goal.

Equipment: 3 cones, 2 flag poles, 3 small hurdles and several balls.

Players: Pairs with Players A and B.

Coaching points
  • Play the ball back with power.
  • Accelerate with short, powerful steps.
  • Use the arms properly.
  • As the speed increases, gradually straighten up and increase the stride length through the knee lift.
Drill 3

Finishing with Multiple Tasks

25 min35 x 20 metres

Exercise 1:

  • Player A starts with a pass to Player B.
  • Player B lays the ball off and moves sideways to a pole.
  • Player C then moves to the pole on the other side.
  • Player A plays a firm pass to Player C.
  • Player C takes the ball, goes around the pole and finishes.
  • Player B then moves to C's position and Player A to B's position.

Exercise 2:

  • Player A starts with a pass to Player B.
  • Player B lays the ball off, moves around one pole and also runs past the second pole.
  • Player A plays a firm pass to Player C.
  • Player C plays the ball sideways into Player B's run.
  • Player B takes one touch or finishes first time.
  • Player A then moves to C's position and Player C to B's position.

Exercise 3:

  • Player A starts with a pass to Player B.
  • Player B lays the ball off and moves sideways around a pole.
  • Player C then moves to the pole on the other side.
  • Player A plays a firm pass to Player C.
  • Player C lays the ball off to Player B and runs around the pole.
  • Player B plays the ball into Player C's run, who takes one touch or finishes first time.
  • Player B then moves to C's position and Player A to B's position.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four poles represent the opponents, one cone marks the starting position; there is a goal at one end.

Equipment: 1 goal, 1 cone, 4 poles and several balls.

Players: Players A, B and C; plus one goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • In Exercise 1, play the pass firmly forward.
  • In Exercise 1, Player B drops away to a pole in a half-open body position, looking towards the pole opposite.
  • In Exercise 1, Player C takes the ball straight away with the foot furthest from the opponent and gets to the finish quickly.
  • In Exercises 2 and 3, Player B drops away sideways after the lay-off.
  • As soon as the ball is played forward, Player B follows with pace.
Drill 4

Shooting Course I

20 min35 x 20 metres

Group A: The player dribbles through the cone course in a slalom, starting to the left of the cone with the left inside of the foot and running with the ball using both feet — to the right of the cone with the right foot, to the left of the cone with the left. The shot at goal is curled with the right foot.

Group B 1: The player performs a jump feint in front of the cone and finishes: taking the ball with the right inside of the foot to the left past the cone, playing it to the right with the right outside of the foot behind the cone and shooting at the full-size goal with the inside of the foot or with the laces. The same sequence of movements is possible the other way round with the left foot.

Group B 2: The player dribbles around the cones with a free choice of foot and shoots with the right foot.

Group C: The player dribbles through the cone course in a slalom, starting to the right of the cone with the left outside of the foot and running with the ball using both feet — to the right of the cone with the left foot, to the left of the cone with the right. The shot at goal is curled with the left foot.

The groups either stay at one station for a set period of time or change clockwise after each shot at goal. If there is no goalkeeper, the shooter goes in goal after every shot that is not scored.

Note: A bet with the group works well as motivation, for example “You will not manage ten goals in three minutes” — the loser does 15 press-ups. A bet between the goalkeeper and the outfield players is equally possible.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A shooting course with three groups next to each other. Group A and Group C each set up a slalom of 6 cones that leads to a mini goal. Group B in the middle has two lanes, B1 and B2, with 3 cones each; both lead to the full-size goal.

Equipment: 18 cones, 2 mini goals and 1 full-size goal.

Players: The players line up with their ball at each lane. The full-size goal is occupied by a goalkeeper.

Coaching points
  • The player dribbles through the slalom course at high speed.
  • The body feint is executed cleanly; the first touch and taking the ball in stride are one touch each.
  • Demand different shooting techniques: inside of the foot, laces, outside of the foot, inner instep and curling the ball.
  • Practise shooting with both feet.
  • Pay attention to the correct body position.
  • Do not stop before finishing, but shoot out of the running movement.
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