WORLD CLASS COACHING
The Complete Guide to Zonal Defending
By Stefano Santona
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part Two
ZONAL DEFENDING IN THE 4-4-2
ZONAL DEFENDING IN THE 4-3-3
4-4-2 ZONAL DEFENDING EXERCISES
4-4-2 VS 4-4-2 HORIZONTAL LANES
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 442 against 442.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score the point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
4-4-2 VS VERTICAL LANES (2 SPACES)
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• Develop the ability to attack outnumbered;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 442 against 442.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score the point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
4-4-2 VS VERTICAL LANES (3 SPACES)
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• Develop the ability to attack outnumbered;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 442 against 442.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score a point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
4-3-3 ZONAL DEFENDING EXERCISES
4-3-3 VS 4-3-3 VERTICAL LANES
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 433 against 433.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score the point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
4-3-3 VS 4-3-3 VERTICAL LANES (3 SPACES)
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• Develop the ability to attack outnumbered;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 433 against 433.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score a point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
4-3-3 VS 4-4-2 VERTICAL LANES (2 SPACES)
Area Size:
Different geometric sizes depending on age and technical quality of the players.
If it is possible we can play this exercise in the space included between the box and the midfield line.
Time:
15-20 minutes
Objectives:
• Never lose your zone and your gate;
• To pass the ball quick through the gate;
• To stop the pass if it is your gate;
• To choose the right moment to pass;
• Develop the ability to attack outnumbered;
• To pass the ball to a free player;
• Just a little bit of work involving the lateral vision;
• Just a little bit of work on change of direction;
• Develop the ability to control your zone;
• Understand the importance of the players in the middle of the field (marked with J in the picture);
Execution:
This exercise is about the ability to pass the ball through a gate (it is like the zone that defender has to cover during the match).
This is good to train 433 against 442.
It is possible to play this game with two different teams. The team that scores more points driving through the gates wins the challenge.
Offensive team has to find a space and, to score a point, has to drive the ball behind the defense line, while the defensive team has to close all the gates.
It is good to play the game in 25-40 seconds.
