How to Improve as a Center Attacking Midfielder
How to Get Better at Center Attacking Midfield (CAM)
As a full-time academy and private soccer trainer, I see tons of players trying to master the center attacking midfield (CAM) role. Most wish to be a true number 10 like a Neymar, DeBruyne, and Xavi Simons.
With Landon Donovan for BodyArmor 3v3 in Miami
With Neymar Jr in Doha for Red Bull NJR5 World Final
With Leipzig and Netherlands star, Xavi Simons in Germany for Red Bull Four2Score
And let’s be honest—this is the position where magic happens. ⚡ The CAM is like the quarterback of soccer, responsible for creating chances, linking midfield to offense, and running the show. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, here’s how to level up at this position with a focus on technical training (and a little fun along the way). 😄
Train with a Team - Why Training with a Team is Gold
If you have access to a team or trainer, use it! Working with others lets you mimic real-game situations and build chemistry with teammates. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Sharpen Your Passing and Vision: During team drills, focus on quick one-touch passing and through balls. Rondos (those keep-away circles) are your best friend. They’re fun, fast, and teach you to think ahead like a chess master. ♟️
Do Simple Things Extremely Well: In team training, set individual goals each session like counting how many quality passes you completed, or turn over the ball fewer than 10 times. Help keep the ball for your team to create high potential scoring opportunities. Be patient to take the right risks at the right time and place.
Hone Creativity: Great CAMs have flair! In 2v1 or 3v2 drills, try out backheels, nutmegs, and cheeky chip passes. Get out of your comfort zone—your teammates will love it when it works, and hey, mistakes are part of the learning process.
Learn Positioning: Ask your trainer or coach for feedback on where you’re positioned during drills. Learn to find pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defense.
Communication is Key: Don’t be shy. Shout for the ball, direct your teammates, and let them know you’re open. You’re the boss in the CAM role, so act like it (with respect, of course). 😎
Solo Training? No Problem!
Sometimes, it’s just you and the ball. Above, I created a 90 minute training session that you can watch or participate in to practice alone as a CAM
Here’s how to make those solo sessions count:
Ball Control is Everything: Set up cones or random objects as defenders and dribble through them at different speeds. Use all parts of your foot (inside, outside, sole) to keep the ball close. Try some freestyle moves—you’ll surprise yourself when you pull them off in a game. ⚽
Pass Like a Pro: Find a wall or rebounder and practice passing. Start with short, crisp passes and gradually move further back. Challenge yourself by aiming for targets on the wall. Pro tip: pretend the wall is yelling, “Too slow!” every time you hesitate. 😅
Shoot Your Shot: Practice curling shots from the edge of the box. Focus on accuracy first—power comes later. Use both feet (yes, even your weak one) and set up targets to keep it interesting. Who doesn’t want to hit the top corner like Kevin De Bruyne? 🎯
Study the Greats: Watch your favorite CAMs in action. Players like Messi, Zidane, or Bruno Fernandes can teach you so much. Study their body positioning, how they make decisions, and even their mistakes. Bonus points if you try to copy their moves in your next game. If you’re unsure where to start, just go to youtube, type the player’s name along with “full match”.
Work on Stamina and Agility: The CAM role is all about bursts of energy. Do some interval sprints and agility ladder drills to improve your fitness. You don’t want to be gasping for air when it’s crunch time. 😅
For Parents and Trainers
Parents, if you’re reading this, encourage your player to focus on ball control and decision-making. Fancy equipment isn’t necessary; sometimes all they need is a ball, a wall, and a little imagination. Trainers, design drills that emphasize quick thinking and creativity. And remember, soccer is supposed to be fun! Keep the vibes positive. 🎉
Final Thoughts
Being a great CAM takes hard work, but the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Whether you’re training with a team or solo, focus on mastering the basics—ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting, and decision-making. With consistency (and maybe a few nutmegs), you’ll be the player everyone looks to when the game is on the line. Let’s get to work—the team is counting on you! 💪
If you want to add more decision making to your training sessions, I highly recommend getting BlazePod. It’s a light reaction system you can program that I love to use for scanning. For example, scan to see the light; if light is red, I play the rebounder, if light is blue, I turn and attack. You can get Blazepod here: https://blazepod.com/daniel-diveny