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Drills
Zone Defence Strategy
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Zone Defence Strategy
Focus
Defensive, Decision Making, Stoppages, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd.
Purpose
This drill shows both how to setup the zone from the kick-in, and how to get through it. You'll need quite a few numbers (ideally 2 teams) to simulate game conditions, or 20 at minimum to practice the first movement(s).
Players
20
+
Ages
16
+
Balls
1
Cones
0
Distance (max)
100m
Opp. tops
50%
Touch to Zoom
Instructions
Visible opposition strip: 50%
Setup
Form 2 even teams. Remove pairs from the bottom of the diagram first if you don't have 36 players. Tell players they'll only have time to setup the zone if the opposition has a set-shot on goal, or if the ball needs to be fetched after a miss, as full-backs can play-on immediately in the modern game. You'll need some team rules regarding when you'll employ this tactic.
Step 1
Red (team without possession) setup zone as per diagram (lines of 3 - 4 - 5 - 4 -2).
Players should cover roughly the same amount of space
Each player keeps an eye on opposition players looking for a short pass in their zone, and shuffle across a few steps to close down space
Players warn teammates ahead about opponents entering their zone
Step 2
(A) has the ball for the kick-out. Kicking long to the pack at centre-half forward will simply make a 50-50 contest, which is exactly what the opposition want, given attackers are loose in the forward line. The key is to kick short immediately using "Blockers" (B's) and "Outriders" (C or D).
Step 3
Use these 3 broad tactics:-
1. If "outriders" (C or D) have space in the pocket, kick short to them. The next kick can again be a short option to a player inside 50 (obviously riskier), or long to the back-flank.
2. By kicking to themself, (A) can take off towards a pocket. Blockers (B) stand near the full-back and apply a block once play-on is called. (A)'s run will draw the player covering the pocket towards them, freeing up outrider (C or D), who gains a little space to run and carry.
3. The 2-3 forwards who are not blockers or outriders dart around defensive-50, presenting as short options, and can also be used.
Step 4
Once this short kick has been completed - most of the time to a pocket - then the 6 midfielders who were bunching around CHB know which side to go, sprint to present options - both short and long - for the next kick.
This should give your team a numbers advantage, as some opposition players will be caught on the other side of the ground in their zone position.
Step 5
Let play continue until a turnover occurs, or the ball is cleared over centre.
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More Drills
Gather Give Bump
Groups of
8
Ages
13
+
Balls/grp
1
Cones
1
Distance (max)
15m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Run & Carry.
Skills
Shepherd, Crumb.
Kick & Follow-up Hands
Players
16
+
Ages
11
+
Balls
1
+
Cones
4
Distance (max)
80m
Focus
Hard Running, Front & Square.
Skills
Handballing, Kick Long, Shepherd.
Help After Poor Disposal
Players
20
+
Ages
13
+
Balls
6
+
Cones
6
Distance (max)
160m
Focus
Hard Running, Front & Square, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking.
Skills
GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Crumb.
Forward Pocket Press
Groups of
26
Ages
15
+
Balls/grp
1
Cones
0
Distance (max)
90m
Focus
Defensive, Contested ball, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Mark Contest.
Run Off the Back
Players
14
+
Ages
6
+
Balls
1
Cones
8
Distance (max)
60m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Decision Making, Run & Carry.
Skills
Kick Short, Tackle.
Go Wide, Switch Inside
Players
18
+
Ages
15
+
Balls
1
Cones
8
Distance (max)
110m
Focus
Defensive, Hard Running, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery.
Skills
Kick Long, Handball Long.
Kick to Overlap Runners
Players
10
+
Ages
9
+
Balls
2
Cones
5
Distance (max)
150m
Skills
Kicking.
Shot Outside 50 Zone Setup
Players
20
+
Ages
6
+
Balls
1
Cones
0
Distance (max)
60m
Focus
Defensive, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
Kick Long, Mark Contest.
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Focus Area
Skills
Categories
Technique
Kick (short)
Tackle
Kick (longer)
Shepherd
Hands (reflex)
Ruck
Hands (longer)
Crumb
Goalkicking
Mark (contested)
Categories
Warm-up
Skills under pressure
Defensive
Contested ball
Hard Running
Front & Square
Decision Making
Run & Carry
Forward line delivery
Goalkicking
Stoppages
Gameplan/Strategy
Fun
Skills
Kick (short)
Tackle
Kick (longer)
Shepherd
Hands (reflex)
Ruck
Hands (longer)
Crumb
Goalkicking
Mark (contested)
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