Cycle Training - Basic Midfield Cycle #3

Basic Central Midfielder Training Cycle

This Hattrick training plan develops six players: three core central midfielders and three additional players. The core players focus on playmaking, supported by defending, passing, and a little scoring. The additional players are chosen to benefit from the same training—typically defensive forwards or wingers.

Training sequence

1. Two seasons of defending

   • Start with the three core players at age 17, acquired from the youth academy or transfer market.
   • Use the remaining training slots to earn money. Profit matters because the cycle requires buying partly trained players and later completing the squad.
   • The team may not be very competitive yet.

2. Four seasons of playmaking

   • Move the core players into playmaking training.
   • After two seasons of this phase, bring in three “half-finished” additional players.
   • For defensive forwards, look for players who already have several seasons of scoring training, plus some passing and wing training. For wingers, seek players with strong wing skills and some prior defending.
   • The core players train in league matches; open slots in cup or friendly matches can be used for profit.
   • As the core players’ playmaking develops and the additional players join the lineup, the team can become competitive and may move up from the lower divisions.

3. Scoring training

   • Train all six players in scoring.
   • The core midfielders now provide possession, while the forwards add attacking threat.
   • Players used in friendlies may need to be placed as strikers to fill training slots, even if that makes those matches less competitive.

4. Passing training

   • Train all six in passing and buy players to complete the wider squad.
   • Consider budgeting for two wingers, who may be expensive if they already have good wing, playmaking, and defending skills.
   • A centre-back and one or two wing-backs can also be useful; they can receive training in friendly or cup matches.
   • The team can continue pushing toward higher divisions during this phase.

5. Final playmaking phase

   • Return the core players to playmaking for a final boost.
   • Play the core players in their proper central midfield positions in league matches.
   • Wingers can use the remaining half-training slots; depending on their starting skill, they may gain another playmaking level.
   • Rotate strikers and wingers in cup or friendly matches to make better use of full-training slots.

Key takeaways

• The plan trains three main players throughout, adding three more partway through the cycle.
• Choose additional players who already have the skills the cycle will not provide much of, especially scoring for defensive forwards and wing training for wingers.
• Use spare training slots to generate income for player purchases.
• The cycle can become competitive around its fifth or sixth season, with promotion possible before the full cycle is complete.

Featured source: Uncle Mish (Papa Mish).