Center Mid Passing Combination 2

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Center Mid Passing Combination 2 is a soccer passing drill for U12 to U16 teams that mirrors how central midfielders link play in matches. Two pivots inside a long grid receive, lay off, and face forward, while wide players time runs down the sidelines for the final diagonal ball into space. The pattern only works when weight, angle, and timing all click, which makes it a superb rhythm builder for your midfield unit.

Find similar exercises in our passing drills collection or filter by age with drills for U14 teams.

Setup

• Mark a grid about 20×35 yards; adjust for the age and level of your group.
• Place two central midfielders inside the grid, staggered between the ends.
• Split the remaining players into two even lines at one end of the grid.
• Put a cone near the far corner as the target zone for the final diagonal pass.
• The first player in one line starts with the ball.

How It Works

1. Player 1 passes into the first central midfielder (CM1) and immediately runs down the sideline.
2. CM1 plays a first-time ball across to Player 2 at the front of the other line.
3. Player 2 passes into the second central midfielder (CM2) and takes off down the opposite sideline toward the far cone.
4. CM2 lays the ball off into the path of Player 1.
5. Player 1 hits a diagonal pass into the space near the cone for Player 2's run.
6. Both runners jog around the outside of the grid back to the start, and the next pair begins.

Coaching Points

• Everything hinges on timing: pass weight, run speed, and one-touch lay-offs must line up.
• The diagonal ball should arrive in front of the runner, never behind or at their heels.
• Central midfielders should receive on the half-turn so they can play in the direction they face.
• Push the group to find a shared rhythm; when it flows, increase the tempo.

Variations

• When the pattern reaches the far end, reverse it with the same group and ball back to the start.
• Rotate the central midfielders every few minutes so everyone learns the pivot role.
• Restrict the wide players to two touches maximum to raise the speed of play.