In zonal defending, the defenders don't mark an attacker, each player is responsible for an area or a zone.

As you can see in the diagram below, there are three players across the 6 yard box 2, 3 and 4, with one player defending the near post area (1), with a further four players, 5, 6, 7 and 8 - ten - fifteen yards out, each is responsible for a specific zone.

The three most important defenders are the players defending the near post area, the player in the middle of the six-yard box and a man between those two.

Zonal defending is based on the principle that when defending set pieces that are taken in the attacking third in wide positions or from corners, there are key, dangerous spaces which can be identified and specifically defended.

The zonal system attempts to concentrate the best defensive headers of the ball in those key dangerous areas. The other players are in positions to defend the second ball or knock downs.

Zonal marking requires a collective responsibility whereas man-for-man marking is based on personal responsibility. It is a difficult thing to coach. It's more complex than man-to-man but it can be more effective, if it's coached comprehensively and players understand not only their roles but the roles of others.

The players have two basic responsibilities when defending in the zonal marking system:

1. To attack the ball aggressively, with good communication if the ball is delivered into their zone.
2. To get in a position to react quickly and positively to any secondary balls that are knocked down into their area from another zone.

The simplest way to coach and organise the players to defend effectively using the zonal system, is to firstly select the players you think would be most effective in the specific zones. Then, bring the players onto the pitch one by one, explaining and demonstrating their specific roles in defending within the system. So for example, in the graphic below, you might want to implement the following coaching organisation:

• Player # 1 - Select a decent sized, clever player. Initial responsibility is to defend the near post area, front of 6 yard box, to stop attacking players from getting in front for flick ons. Secondary responsibility - if the ball goes over them, to spin and get inside of the line of the near post and be aware of any balls that are knocked back into that area and defend any attempts on goal.
• Player # 2 - Select a decent sized player. Initial responsibility is to start level with the near post and on the 6 yard box and attack any balls that come into that zone. Secondary responsibility is to spin if the ball goes over their head, and react to any secondary balls that come into that zone
• Player # 3 - This is a key position, select a good header of the ball, a leader and someone who has good leadership and communication skills. Their start position is is 6 yards out and in the middle of the goal. Their initial responsibility is provide leadership and make sure everyone around them is alert and knows their jobs and responsibilities. They must aggressively attack any ball that comes into their area. Secondary responsibility is to react to any balls that are knocked or flicked into their area.
• Player # 4 - Their main responsibility is to react to any balls that are flicked or knocked down into this far post area. They will need to be sharp, alert and on their toes. Their starting position is on the 6 yard box and they must be very aware of players coming round the back of them.
• Player # 5 - Their starting position is level with the near post and about 10 -12 yards out. Their main responsibility is to make sure they attack any balls that are delivered into their zone. Secondary, is to be aware of any attacking players who might look for a short corner and to pressure any balls that are cleared to the edge of the box.
• Player # 6 - This is a key position. Start position is 10 - 12 yards out and in the front half of the goal. It is a job for one of the bigger players and better headers of the ball in the team. Main responsibility is to aggressively attack any balls that are delivered into their area. Secondary responsibility is to make sure that if the ball is cleared and crossed back into the area, they must make sure that they are in a position to attack any crosses.
• Player # 7 - This is a key position. Start position is 10 - 12 yards out and in the back half of the goal. It is a job for one of the bigger players and better headers of the ball in the team. Main responsibility is to aggressively attack any balls that are delivered into their area. Secondary responsibility is to make sure that if the ball is cleared and crossed back into the area, they must make sure that they are in a position to attack any crosses.
• Player # 8 - This player must defend the very far post area and be very aware of players who spin round the back into this area for flick ons or knock downs. They must also close down and defend any balls that are cleared to the edge of the area.
• Player # 9 - This player defends the near post area of the actual goal. Their position, is about 6 - 12 inches the goal line and arms length away from the near post. If they actually stretch out their arm nearest to the post and touch it, they are in the right position. Their job is to make the goal as small as possible and be alert and on their toes for any shots or headers that are heading for their corner of the goal.
• Player # 10 - This player defends the near post area of the actual goal. Their position, is about 6 - 12 inches the goal line and arms length away from the near post. If they actually stretch out their arm nearest to the post and touch it, they are in the right position. Their job is to make the goal as small as possible and be alert and on their toes for any shots or headers that are heading for their corner of the goal.
• The goalkeeper also has a big responsibility as an organiser and communicator and to be aware of when and where to come for crosses.

The zonal system relies heavily on every player focusing and concentrating on doing their individual jobs within their zone. They must also be ready to react to any secondary balls that drop into their zone.

Finally, if the ball is cleared from the corner, the players must understand what they have to do. The more attacking players must look to get out of the area quickly, with the more defensive, better headers having an appreciation and awareness of being in a position to deal with any crosses or long ball played back into the area.