About Marney Egan Expertise I can answer almost any question about the game of soccer (drills to practice, what to do in different situations, calls made by the referee, gear to use, fitness, etc.). I was a goalie in HS and college so I am able to answer more specific questions about this position. I can also provide insight on the college game (recruitment process, what to expect, etc.).
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME SO I CAN PROVIDE AN ANSWER CATERING TO YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. THANKS!!
Experience I have been playing soccer for 20 years (10 years as a goalie) and played at a D-I college. My father played professionally and has been a personal coach for my siblings and me through our careers (we have all played in college). I am currently coaching a U-13 Girls club soccer team and have also coached at several college camps during the summer including one hosted by the US Naval Academy.
Organizations Coach for Allegheny Force Football Club.
Education/Credentials Degree from Bucknell University; attended numerous soccer camps over the years including ones hosted by Notre Dame (Women's D-I National Champs) and Messiah College (Women's D-III National Champs).
Awards and Honors Patriot League Academic Honor Roll; Captain of high school soccer team.
Question my coach is starting to play me at Defensive Center Mid and I have only played
defense and goalie all my life. So could you explain the duties of Defensive
Center Mid to me?
Answer Zoe,
Defensive center mid is a unique position and requires a great deal from the person in this position. First, you must think of yourself as an extension of the defense because one of your main tasks is to act as an extra defender (otherwise they would just call the position center mid). However, this doesn't mean that you are supposed to play back for the whole game, because then you wouldn't be a midfielder. As a midfielder you are expected to help develop the play and support the strikers. Finally, as a center midfielder you control the entire flow of the game. Balls are often played to you in order to decide in which direction the play will continue. You also need to be prepared to win balls in the air. A lot of punts and goal kicks are played into the center of the field; you need to have the confidence that you can win the ball. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Where is my mark?
-This is important to know because it allows you to decide how offensively you can play. If your mark is a midfielder or forward that likes to play high then you'll probably have to drop back a little more and take on a more defensive than offensive role (though this doesn't mean that you can't still make runs up the field from time to time). If your mark holds back in a more defensive position then it allows you to be more of a midfielder and help with the attack.
What side of the field is open?
-This is important because if the ball comes to you, as a center mid you need to know where the open space is so that you can feed the ball to teammates who can utilize this space. Since you are in the center of the field it allows you to change fields particularly if there is a lot of congestion in an area of the field.
How high can I push up?
-This depends on the speed and location of your mark and also your own speed. As a midfielder you are going to be doing a lot more running than as a defender or goalie so be prepared to constantly be running forward and then sprinting to get back if your team loses the ball. Know how far up the field you can go and still have the ability to get back to your mark. If you do get into a situation where you can't get back in time make sure you communicate to your defense so that someone can pick up your player (this should be easy for you since you have played defense).
Center mid is a important position on the field and a coach will often put one of his/her best players here. Knowing this, have confidence that you will play well in this new position and you will find success! Hopefully this answer gave you a sense of what you need to do on the field but if you have any other questions please write again. Also, don't be afraid to sit down with your coach and ask what he/she expects from you on the field. Good luck with your season!!
