Marking decisions

WHY USE IT

Allows players to make informed decisions about marking, relative to team-mates and opponents.

SET UP

Set up a rectangular area of a size relative to the age and ability of your players and split it into four. Put a mini goal on the end line at one end and two mini goals set back from the end line at the other. Start with players in three of the zones – a 2v1 in the end with the two mini goals and a 1v1 in the following two zones.

HOW TO PLAY

Play starts with the two players in the end zone, who look to move the ball to score a goal. They can either work through each zone or cut across zones with longer passes. The two players can be in any zone at a time. The opposition can only have one player in any zone at a time.

If the opposition wins the ball back, they counter-attack towards one of the two mini goals.

Coaching points

• Attackers: how can you create a 2v1?
• Defenders: how do you calculate the risk and reward of going to immediately win the ball in a 1v1 dual and leaving any support passing options more open?
• Defenders: What distance is it most effective for you to mark at?