Used to play CDM myself… but let’s be honest — I was just a destroyer. My second touch?

Usually a tackle 😅The game’s evolved big time — now it’s all about scanning, tempo, breaking lines, and actually keeping the ball (who knew?).

What do you think defines the modern CDM? Drop your thoughts below 👇⚽

Used to play CDM myself… but let’s be honest — I was just a destroyer. My second touch? Usually a tackle 😅The game’s evolved big time — now it’s all about scanning, tempo, breaking lines, and actually keeping the ball (who knew?).What do you think defines the modern CDM? Drop your thoughts below 👇⚽

Adam McGowan With limited time and space, focus on constraints that encourage forward play. Use small gates around the box where passes must go through before scoring to promote breaking lines. Try a “pass before you score” rule that demands a forward pass into feet or space. Reward central or half-space entries with points to develop vertical play. You can also require the striker to receive a pass before a shot, helping players connect more through the middle. Adding a time limit in the final third pushes quicker decisions. These keep sessions sharp and will link well with your VEO analysis. Let me know if this comes in useful or need any more info. 👍

You’re clearly progressing well Adam McGowan , and now is a good time to refine some tactical habits to support your Striker and overall build-up play. Her movement and hold-up play are a real asset, but if teammates aren’t spotting her runs early enough, that disconnect can grow. Introduce pattern-based training where specific triggers prompt her runs—e.g., CM receiving on the half-turn, full-back stepping into space. Then train your midfielders and wide players to scan at the right moments and deliver early passes, ideally before the run is made.

To break the habit of long hopeful balls into channels, constrain your build-up during phases—e.g., require three short passes before playing forward or ban direct wide passes for set periods. This will encourage your full-backs to combine in tighter spaces around the edge of the box and help wingers work in pockets rather than chasing. With a wide age range, consider slow walkthroughs or freeze-frame clips to reinforce recognition moments and focus especially on timing of third-man runs and full-back overlaps. Finally, keep emphasising possession with purpose: use small-sided games with touch limits and passing targets to promote tempo and intelligent decision-making under pressure. Let me know if there is anything specific you want me to source for you. 👍

Yeah I think sometimes we can over complicate at times and forget how much they actually retain. I’ve often looked back and thought.. ‘They’ve only took in about 20% of what I’ve just said! 😅 It’s definitely a skill to keep it as accurate and purposeful as possible.

Adam McGowan

https://app.touchtight.com/programs/18-progressive-possession-ed7cc6

https://app.touchtight.com/programs/23-defence-splitting-passes

https://app.touchtight.com/programs/46-overloads-in-advanced-positions-b472f4

Hi Adam McGowan a common problem for sure. Can you let me know a few details about your set up, formation you play, age group and strengths of your group etc. Woukd be happy to provide some advice on what has worked for us previously. Some quick wins could be the following depending on your set up.

1. Ensure you have one or two forwards stretching the back line when you have decent possession in the middle third. You need opposition defences being stretched and dropping deep to track runners.

2. This will create space for one or two atta king players to find space between opposition defences and midfields to get on the ball.

3. Focus on sessions that encourage midfielders and defenders to find these options for forward passes, gaining confidence with direct passes in behind and awareness to see space for that pass into the pockets of space in between.

The magic pass is key and the more you encourage this in sessions the better they will get no doubt about it. I’ll have a look for some sessions that might help here as well. 👌

Great feedback Adam McGowan ! Our team will be looking to add these elements back in for larger squad practices from now. 👌

Jordan fantastic.. I'll send you a DM so you can book a call anytime. 👌

Edward Cross apologies for delay here, missed this. Yes, it is not exact, it is based on the fact that for at least one of the practices 17 players are required and so you can adjust other practices to meet these numbers if need be.