#21 Man‑marking - FIFA Training Centre

This exercise works on man‑marking. Defending players must track and stay close to their opponent to prevent them from receiving and playing the ball.

Basic set-up

Variation 2: Find the open player

Variation 3: With one ball

Organisation

Set up a rectangular playing area using cones.
Organise a 2v2 inside the playing area with 1 player on each side of the rectangle.

Explanation

2 balls may be in play at any time.
The 4 supporting players around the outside of the playing area feed the ball to their team‑mates inside the area, who then have the option of playing the ball back to any of those same 4 players.
Initially, the players feeding the ball throw the ball up for their team‑mates.

Variations

V1: The supporting players now play the ball off the ground using their feet.
V2: Players can no longer play the ball back to the same player from whom they received it. 2 balls must always be in play.
V3: Only 1 ball in play.

Coaching points

The defenders must close the space between themselves and the players inside the playing area while anticipating the passes from those positioned around the outside. Meanwhile, the attackers should work on losing their marker.