Playing in the zone means arranging yourself in such a way as to occupy your own area of the field, according to the principles of fair distribution, rationality and team unity. In this regard, it is necessary to divide the field, longitudinally, in equal parts and to have, in each zone, one player for the defensive line and one for the midfield. In this way a balanced distribution is obtained both in the lateral and vertical directions.
In addition to equitable distribution, it is necessary to have a predetermined tactical balance that allows you to more easily prepare the various alternating solutions of the two phases of the game, since the positions on the field and the functions of the individuals are immediately known.
Each player is responsible for his own zone of competence, both horizontally and vertically, up to the limit of the zone defended by his partner.
Team unity means that each player must have a unique attitude during the defensive phase. This means that players must know the tasks and positions of their teammates in order to sustain an "adequate game situation."
To defend in the zone, we also need to know the positions of the ball, teammates, opponents and our goal.
The zone marking takes place in the area of the field of its competence, but this does not mean that the players have to monitor the neighboring areas as well.
It is also fair to point out that in order to be able to defend in the zone and be effective, we must know how to defend in man.
Some tips to correctly implement the zone game:
- center backs must guarantee speed and ability during aerial play;
- since the opponents have only 180 ° of possibility of play from the front, it may be that the side band opposite the one with the ball remains free;
- be careful that the ward lines do not flatten or overlap;
- climb in the surrounding areas towards the ball;
- depending on the action, stay on 30/40 meters;
- the game system must relate to the disposition of the players on the field and their tasks;
- press and offside;
- the lateral players of the defensive line must be able to actively participate in the attack maneuver;
- it is necessary to give rise to an organic and rational distribution in the field;
- during the non-possession phase the spaces are shortened and tightened, vice versa, in the possession phase they widen and lengthen.
Compared to the man marking, in the zone game the players are more involved, being less dependent on the opponent. The workload is more evenly divided between the various players and the distances of the department are reduced, with the advantage that it is possible perform pressing, attacking actions and passing between teammates more effectively.
On the other hand, the zone game system can have disadvantages:
- slower advancement during the ball possession phase;
- always playing in the same areas, you can lose imagination and unpredictability.
Responses to the zone:
- individual action;
- quick triangulations;
- in response to the offside, exchange between two players and insertion of a third from behind the line of the ball;
- exploit the "blind" zone through play, overlaps and game changes;
- play with long balls and sides of the attackers for the insertions of the midfielders;
- use of three forwards to create great movement and continuous cuts;
- create the one-on-one through the use of two forwards who are able to play close and central;
- the attackers must run diagonally and parallel (with respect to the defense line) by cutting in the interspaces.
Other articles on "Zone play in football"
- Tactics in football
- Men's football marking
