#23 Mixed marking - FIFA Training Centre

This exercise focuses on marking on corners (the set-piece phase). In this exercise, the coach tries to implement a mixed‑marking system, i.e. one which combines man-to-man and zonal marking.

Man marking set up at corners

Organisation

Organise a corner taker, 4 defenders who each occupy different zones and 3 or 4 attackers.
Establish 4 zones, dividing the defenders and attackers between them.

Explanation

Defenders should mark the player in their zone. The defending team should adopt a man‑to‑man and/or zonal marking system, depending on the situation.

Variation

Practise different combinations one after another with the attackers in an attempt to disrupt the defence and work on defensive automatisms.

Coaching points

Players must communicate when defending and adopt a mentality to clear the ball as far as possible away from the danger area.
The aim for the defenders is to be alert to the danger in their zone, while adopting an aggressive approach and anticipating the trajectory of the ball.
It is essential that the defenders defend the central areas.