Equipment Needed
- Balls for service
- Cones to mark zones
Mark the zones
A set of cones makes it easy to lay out clear defensive zones in front of the goal.
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- Mark defensive zones in front of the goal with cones.
- Defenders line up in their zones; attackers and a server set up outside the box.
Instructions
- The server delivers crosses or through-balls into different zones.
- Each defender is responsible for clearing any ball that enters their zone, communicating handoffs as attackers move between zones.
- Play out each service to a clearance or shot, then reset with a new service angle.
- Rotate defenders through different zones so everyone understands each role.
Coaching Points
- Talk constantly - zonal marking breaks down the instant communication stops.
- Attack the ball aggressively within your zone rather than waiting for it to arrive.
- Hand off a runner clearly and loudly the moment they leave your zone.
Variation
Mix in a man-marking assignment on the most dangerous attacker while everyone else stays zonal, simulating a real hybrid system.