How to help midfield players ‘face forward and play forward’ during build-up play

Game | Skills| 1.12.2022

One of the key discussion points at the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 in Qatar is how midfield players can ‘face forward and play forward’ during build-up play Image: Getty Images /Getty Images Sport

Learning:

-    Creating ‘no touch turn’ receiving opportunities

-       Central defenders running the ball into midfield to play forward

-       ‘Up, back and through’ passing combinations

1.      Create ‘no touch’ receiving opportunities

‘No touch’ receiving skills involve midfield players letting the ball roll across their body without touching the ball. The benefit of this skill, when used in midfield, is that the first touch the player has could be a forward pass or a touch to start running forward with the ball.

However, effectively executing a ‘no touch turn’ is not an easy task. Finding a pocket of space in which the turn can be made is the first requirement. Sometimes this involves standing still to create space as the play moves. During these moments, the midfield player must be constantly ‘scanning’ for an ‘exit route’ to ensure there is no pressure from behind.