Man marking

Overview

The man marking game places the players in a high pressure situation. Players must stick tight to their opponent when defending in order to stop them scoring. But, in attack they must be constantly on the move to lose their marker and score a goal.

SET UP

• Pitch 50yds x 30yds with a 10yd square marked in the centre

See complete set up here

What you get your players to do

Split your players into two teams. Each team attacks and defends one goal.

The players on each team must pair up with a player on the opposing team. These two players must man mark each other and enter into a 1v1 duel.

Players are only allowed to tackle the player they are man marking.

Good defending skills as well as excellent dribbling skills are required in this game.

Rules

• The game is played for 15 minutes split into three minute periods with the players changing their man marker each three minute period
• After every period there is a one minute rest
• If the ball leaves play then the goalkeeper of the team in possession restarts the game

Development/progression

Remove the man marking rule and play a normal two team game.