Zonal Marking. Some managers swear by it. Others blame it for every goal that's ever been conceded from a corner. But do you really know how to put a zonal marking plan into operation? And what are the do's and don'ts to make sure you get it right?
"It’s called zonal marking because you have to imagine the area is divided into segments, with players on the defending team responsible for one of these segments," says goal-grabber turned gaffer, Iain Dowie, who's seen the system from both sides of the fence.
"If each player marshals his segment or ‘zone’ properly, technically, you shouldn’t concede."
Check out the video to see how to do it.
Also see:
Iain Dowie: Defending with 10 men
Iain Dowie: Building a good vocal unit
Playing as a target man: the essentials
Positive mental attitude
Dealing with disappointment
