Marking in the Box

Objective

Maintain tight marking on an attacker during a set-piece cross into the box.

Equipment

• Balls
• Goal
• Bibs

Instructions

1. 1

   Two attackers and two defenders in the box. Server delivers crosses from wide.

2. 2

   Defenders must stay goal-side and ball-side of their attacker.

3. 3

   Attackers try to lose their marker and finish. Defenders win or head clear.

4. 4

   Score a point per clearance; attackers score per goal. 5 crosses then swap.

Coaching Points

• ✓ One hand lightly on the attacker's back to feel their movement.
• ✓ Watch the ball and your attacker simultaneously — peripheral vision.
• ✓ Step in front for the ball if you can reach it — do not wait behind.

Variations

• → Add a third attacker to create overload.