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

Cones

Distance (max)

100m

Opp. tops

50%

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.