Coaching when to mark the man and when to mark space

[tony75]

As the play gets closer to goal, you should get closer to the player. If the ball is played, then your close enough to mark. The further away from the dangerous play you are, then cover.

[TonyS]

Hi,

I'm new to the site and not familiar with the acronyms - SSG?

To develop marking space, its relative to ball position - as an example there's no need for a full back to go charging up the field if the ball is with the opposition winger in the their own half of the field - the defender should occupy the space the winger may move into - this forces a decision from the winger - pass or take on defender!

Try developing an exercise to create this decision making process - there are drills on Grassroots along these lines.

Tony S

[Val]

SSG = Small Sided Games, typically practicing using the 4v4 model and games playing in the 7v7 and 9v9 lineups.