Three Zone Marking

DESCRIPTION

Set Up:

The playing area should be selected to suit the age and ability of your players.

Create three playing areas as the diagram sugests.

The attacker in zone 3 starts with the ball and this player is restricted to this zone. This player is lookign to make a pass to either of his forward players.

The attckers outside zone 1 can play in either of the other zones. These attackers look to combine to create goal scoring opportunities. 

The attackers are looking to score in the main goal where the defenders are looking to win possession and clear the ball from the area. If they can make a successful pass to the attacker in zone 3 it is worth two goals.

Progression:

The attackers can play 1-2's with the attacker in zone 3.

The attackers in zone 2 can rotate with the player in zone 3 to create a different problem for the defenders.

COACHING POINTS

Coaching Points:

Closing Down

The first few yards should be covered quickly to ensure the attacker is kept away from the goal. This should be done while the ball is travelling, on the attackers first touch the defender needs to adjust their speed and body shape.

Body Shape

After the attacker has taken there first touch the defender must get into a good defensive posture. Which is side on, with one foot in front of the other and with bent knees to achieve a low centre of gravity to be able react to the movement of the attacker. The defender should be in a position to see both the player and the ball.

Force Direction

To affect the way the attacker moves the defender should first arc his run, shutting off one side if possible. The defender should then attack the correct foot to encourage movement away from the goal.

Winning Possession

The defender must be positve but patient. Looking for opportunities to win possession but understanding when it is not possible to do so (when the attack has their back to them). The defender needs to learn how to read the game, where the next passing option is to be able to intercept potential passes. 

Recovery

The recovery defender needs to make a quick recovery run and get into a good covering position behind the 1st defender. The recovering defender would only attempt to win the ball from the fron tif the attacker has a poor touch. 

Distance

The distance between the attacker and defender will depend on the location of the football on the pitch. The closer the ball is to the attacker the closer the defender must be. The defender should be able to closer the attacker to affect his 1st touch otherwise he is too far away. If the ball is a long distance away from the attacker the defender can increase the distance between the two.