At U13 9v9, I’d be careful not to label this as a ‘midfielder dropping too deep’ problem; it is usually a relationship issue. If your central midfielder drops, they are likely trying to solve the problem of not having an outlet. Telling them to stay higher without giving them a reason will just lead to them being marked out of the game. Instead, look at the connections around them. If the central player drops, can your nearest wide player or striker recognize the vacated space and move to receive between the lines? In 9v9, we want players to feel the rotation. I would use a narrow pitch session where they have to connect through the middle to reach a target zone. If the central player drops, the other midfielders must fill the central void. Watch for the 'picture' in your next match: does the striker or a wide player check inside when the midfielder drops? If nobody moves to fill that central pocket, the issue isn't the midfielder, it’s the lack of collective movement.
