CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

DEFENDING SET PLAYS

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction    Corners   Closing down space    Forcing the play    the corner kick    Corners to the edge of the penalty area  Corners to and beyond the far post Switching play in defence

CORNERS

Defending at corners - Zonal marking

Zonal marking is when defenders take up a pre-determined position at corner kicks. The areas as shown in the diagram highlight the danger zones at corner kicks. My one concern with zonal marking relates to the fact that defenders are normally jumping and attacking the ball from a standing position. Zonal marking does allow defenders to organise quickly as their role is clearly defined.

The alternative would be to go man to man with your attacker – this would highlight the following problems:-

Defenders get moved all over the penalty area

Attackes will attempt to block you off

Danger of taking your eyes off your attacker and the ball during the movement
Whatever method you adopt at set-plays, remember to orgainse quickly, be to the ball first at corners and be brave at all times.