Zonal Defending

Objective

Hold a zonal defensive block that moves as a unit in response to the ball.

Equipment

• Ball
• Cones
• Bibs

Instructions

1. 1

   Set up a 40x30 yard pitch. Four defenders hold a flat block; four attackers try to find gaps.

2. 2

   The block moves left and right as the ball is switched — defenders cover zones, not players.

3. 3

   If an attacker receives in a zone, the nearest defender engages while others compress.

4. 4

   Attackers score by dribbling through the block. Rotate every 5 minutes.

Coaching Points

• ✓ The whole block shifts together — one player moving without the others creates gaps.
• ✓ Do not mark players — mark space. Follow the ball, not the attacker.
• ✓ Compress quickly when the ball enters your zone.

Variations

• → Allow attackers only two touches to speed up decision-making.