Marking and covering
In the previous post, we’ve seen different ways to improve the reading of the game / anticipation. Today, let’s focus on the specific work of the central defender regarding the marking of opponents with a consideration on space covering.
To create an effective protection of the goal, covering a zone while marking an opponent inside this zone is of course essential. Here we must repeat that a good defensive block is made by defenders ”helping each other” by securing space and providing cover.
How to mark a striker? Here are some recommendations:
- Never put yourself in a position where you won’t be able to run in the same direction than the attacker. In order to do that, you need to position your body as to see both the ball and the player you’re marking. Try to never remain on a frontal position, but turn your body 3/4 towards the player. Doing this, you stay in the line of running if the striker goes deep (run towards your goal) and you keep the ability to mark him close if he wants the ball in the feet. If you are in a frontal position, you loose the power to ”catch” the striker if a pass goes over you or besides you.
- Mark the attacker tight if he receives the ball in the feet: If you’re not able to intercept the ball, stay behind the striker and put maximum pressure on him. You DO NOT let him turn around with the ball because you want him to play a pass backwards. By pressuring him, you force the opponent to focus on protecting the ball from you. His pass will be less precise and you will give time to your teammates to help you out.
- If a long ball is played over you and you can’t intercept it, don’t keep your eyes on it until the last moment. Turn around and follow the opponent. You don’t need to look at the ball, the movement of the attackers gives you this information as he prepares to receive the pass. As soon as he controls the ball, you’re here to block him. If you watch the ball flying for too long and, at the end, you can’t intercept it, then you loose the ability to catch your guy and you let him go towards the goal alone.
- When the ball is on a line and you see that the attacking team is ready to make a cross, DO NOT face the ball and the winger making the cross. Again, turn your body 3/4 in order to see both the ball and the striker you are marking. Why? Because 1) if the ball is high, jumping backwards is way less effective and 2) if you can’t see the striker, you can’t control where he’s going to move. Another tip: use one hand to grab the striker (jersey, short,…), this way you know exactly where he is and you have control over the situation.
- In some situations, you will be forced to let the striker receive a pass. If so, let the pass go where it’s less dangerous. That’s usually towards the Throw-in Line. Always position yourself in order to prevent a pass going deep on the inside zone. Look at the pictures to get an idea:
For more tips on defensive actions, ask a question on our Facebook profile or directly by email on prosoccerway@gmx.com
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