3 vs 3 Circle Marking

EXPLANATION: Ball starts with central X in midfield. 3 perimeter players (x’s) transfer ball laterally in midfield. 3 Defenders (O’s) mark 3 Attackers inside 23m area. After a minimum of 2 midfield passes, ball is passed in to one of the attackers. Defenders mark, trying to deny the pass to attacking players by intercepting. If Defenders intercept, they look to release a quick outlet pass to one of the side midfielders. COACHING POINTS: DEFENDING Front-mark in this area of the field so the Attacker does not have time to receive the ball in a dangerous space. Defender should be closer to the ball than the Attacker, and slightly on the inside of the field towards the Center Line. Keep body “side-on”, so shoulders are open to both ball position and attacker Defender should always know where the attacker is, so must continually check and recheck visually to make sure positioning is correct. Maintain an appropriate distance from the attacker (the closer they are to the ball, the closer defender should be). ATTACKING Although this drill is designed for defenders to work on marking, attacking players should challenge the defence by creating dynamic off-ball movement and interchange. Attackers should be looking off-ball at the other forwards, and move accordingly