Half-court zonal defence

Setup

1. Four defenders (D1–D4) and a keeper defend a goal. They start in a 2-2 just inside their own half.
2. Four attackers (A1–A4) start at halfway in a 3-1, with A4 as the pivot.
3. Cones on halfway mark two target gates for the defenders to break out through.

How it runs

1. Attackers try to score. The zone stays compact and moves as one.
2. The nearest defender presses the ball; the others slide across to cover and cut passing lanes.
3. The back defender on the ball side covers behind the presser; the far one fronts the pivot.
4. Defenders win the ball: they score by dribbling through a gate at halfway.
5. Rounds of 3 minutes, then swap.

Coaching points

• Press from the inside and show the ball down the line, towards the touchline.
• Slide together: the whole zone moves each time the ball moves.
• Stay compact: no more than about 5 m between neighbours.
• Front the pivot or stand to their side so the pass in can be cut out.
• Stay on your feet; the touchline is your extra defender.

Common mistakes

• Two defenders going to the ball and leaving a hole in the middle.
• Pressing straight on and getting beaten inside.
• The far-side defender ball-watching instead of tucking in.
• Standing behind the pivot, so they can turn.