Football · Set pieces · Defending

Defending corners: zonal and marking

A simple mixed set-up for defending corners. Three players hold zones, two mark the best headers, and everyone steps out after the clearance.

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Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
13–16
Age
U13+
Area
Penalty area
Equipment
1 goal12 balls7 bibs

Setup

  1. One goal with a keeper. Attackers take corners from both sides.
  2. Defenders: three zonal players across the front of the six-yard box, two markers and one on the edge.
  3. Six attackers, a taker and five runners.

How it runs

  1. The coach names the two attackers to be marked. Markers pick them up before the kick.
  2. Zonal players hold their spot and attack any ball that comes into it.
  3. After the clearance, the whole team steps out to the edge of the box together.
  4. Defenders score 1 for a clearance past the edge of the box, 2 if it finds a teammate. Five corners, then rotate.

Coaching points

  • Zonal players, attack the ball in your zone. Don't wait for it to drop.
  • Markers, stay goal-side and close. See the ball and your player.
  • Clear it high, far and wide, never back across the middle.
  • Keeper, call early and loud, "Keeper!" or "Away!".

Common mistakes

  • Markers watch only the ball and lose their runner.
  • Zonal players back off towards the goal line as the ball comes in.
  • Everyone stays in the box after the clearance.

Say it: “Hold your zone, attack the ball, step out together.”

Make it harder

  • Add a seventh attacker to stand on the keeper.
  • Attackers can play a short corner.

Make it easier

  • Attackers walk their runs for the first three corners.
  • Take two runners away so the markers have fewer threats.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.