Description
Three zonal defenders hold a line in front of the six-yard box, one player guards the near post and one guards the front post space. Two man-markers follow the best headers. The zonal defender attacks every ball that comes into the zone, and after the clearance the line steps out together.
Organisation
Penalty area with a full goal and a keeper. Start with the coach serving and no attackers, so the defenders practise the clearance. Then add attackers who try to score. Change the side of the corner and the type of delivery: in-swinger, out-swinger, short.
Coaching points
- Zonal defenders attack the ball in their zone. Do not wait for it to arrive.
- Man-markers stay goal-side and touch the attacker before the kick.
- Head the ball high, wide and far.
- After the clearance, step out together to leave attackers offside.
- The keeper calls every ball early: keeper or away.