SSG: Developing central midfielders This exercise progresses into a small-sided game in which the midfielders must focus on their ability to help build play by creating passing lanes or angles so that they can then link or turn and drive with the ball into attack. They must identify the most effective action to take, on and off the ball, so that they can execute the right solution for a fluent attacking progression. Organisation: 🟡 Mark out a 40 x 22 m pitch. 🟡 Place a full-size goal at each end and position a goalkeeper in each. 🟡 Mark an 18 m central zone across the middle of the pitch. 🟡 Split the group into 4 attackers, 4 defenders, and 2 neutral players. 🟡 Attackers can use all zones, but stay in a 2–2 structure. 🟡 Defenders are split 2 and 2, with each pair restricted to their own half at all times. 🟡 Neutral players play freely as central midfielders. Explanation: 🟡 Play starts with the goalkeeper. 🟡 In possession, create a 4+2v2 in the build-up, then play through the two neutral midfielders to progress into attack. 🟡 In the final phase, create another 4+2v2 and finish with a shot on goal. 🟡 Neutral players always play with the team in possession. 🟡 If the defending team wins the ball, they counter to score in the opposite goal.