Outside Midfielder - Not Getting the Ball Enough
by payam jackson
(kampala)
Outside Midfielder - Not Getting the Ball Enough
Question:
Once a game becomes too frustrating in the wings ,to a point that your unable to get passes from your team mates to feed u in the wings. Is it necessary to go play in other possitions so as to get ur game on and recieve the ball?
Answer:
Payam, welcome to the wonderful world of playing as an outside mifielder. One game you'll be getting the ball so much you feel like the entire game is going through your side. Then the following game the entire play will be on the opposite wing and you'll feel like you're just killing grass.
I've been there and it can even change half to half but your job is not to get discouraged.
Your primary job as an outside mifielder is to patrol the wing on which you play. Not only for stretching a teams defense but also to remain in position for your own defensive responsibilities.
There will be times where you find yourself not involved in the game and to answer your question it is fine for you to look to find different parts of the field to exploit.
Now, this does not mean running and taking the ball from your center backs or dropping back so deep and receiving the ball in your own 18 yard box.
Here are a few things you can do to get more involved:
1) Make a digaonal run in behind the opponents far side outside back when your team has posession on that side.
2) Tell your other outside midfielder to switch sides for a bit (best done after a corner or goal kick or any other stoppage)
3) If your center backs have the ball check deep almost into the center mid area and peel off of your defender running into the original space you would normally exploit on the wing.
4) Give your center mids a little whisper during the game to look for you more.
5) When the ball is on the foot of your teammte playing the other wing tuck in and become the second striker to get more involved (you should be doing this anyway)
A great resource to see more about what your position is all about is the Pro Outside Midfielder Attributes Page
No matter what you do Payam there will always be spells during a game where you feel like you're not getting the ball enough. But as a high level outside midfielder you need to be creative to get yourself involoved in the match instead of just complaining and pointing fingers on why you are not receieving the ball.
Be proactive and put your stamp on the game even if you're not getting the ball as much as you like.
Also if you really want to take your game to the next level especially in the outside midfielder position having a fitness training program like the pro's is crucial. You can find that here at 6 Week PRO Fitness Training Program Page
Filip
Soccer-Training-Methods.com
