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Zonal marking

Zonal marking

Joined
Feb 13, 2005
Messages
2,162
Like most people I’ve been a bit sniffy about zonal marking. There’s a interesting article in the LEP where Neil describes the reason he introduced it (he hasn’t used it before), the facts on goals conceded (compared to last season) and what he wants to improve.

https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/footbal...es-improvement-defending-set-pieces-1-9123645

I do like the fact that he is always open about his decision making and prepared to talk openly about what he wants to improve.
 
Had to have a little snigger at this quote from AN in the article:

"...I was concerned he would be looking out for us tugging in the box."

Oh okay, just me then!
 
For me the goal keeper has to be assertive and take charge of that set play second phase. To see that second ball land in the 6 yard box with the keeper rooted to his line is disappointing. The whole penalty area is his to claim the ball as the defence push to the 18. To me, of our goalkeepers, Maxwell is best suited for this
 
Had to have a little snigger at this quote from AN in the article:

"...I was concerned he would be looking out for us tugging in the box."

Oh okay, just me then!

Sounds like it could be from a film starring Sid James, etc......"Carry On Defending" 🙂
 
Had to have a little snigger at this quote from AN in the article:

"...I was concerned he would be looking out for us tugging in the box."

Oh okay, just me then!

Dirty Harry will be upset that you beat him to this fnar fnar quote 😀
 
Not a fan of it anyone coming in from the edge of the box has a running jump at the ball where our players are fairly static so can’t jump as high you only need to look at Arsenal to see how many goals they concede from set pieces
 
Not a fan of it anyone coming in from the edge of the box has a running jump at the ball where our players are fairly static so can’t jump as high you only need to look at Arsenal to see how many goals they concede from set pieces

the article it said we have conceded only 1 'first contact' (new jargon to me) goals from set pieces this season, last season it was 6. issue is second ball, flick on or inability to make a clearance.
AN first time using it
jury is out but stats say we defend better as it is - but need to improvde second ball winning which is difficult as usually its down to luck where the ball lands like the reading goal for instance
 
Not a fan of it anyone coming in from the edge of the box has a running jump at the ball where our players are fairly static so can’t jump as high you only need to look at Arsenal to see how many goals they concede from set pieces

We have players marking the runners so they don’t get a free run, but the best headers are free to attack the ball
 
Alex Neil's attention to detail is superb. Sure mistakes will be made but I have absolute trust in his management.
 
We have players marking the runners so they don’t get a free run, but the best headers are free to attack the ball

Hunts is often on the front post and gets a few decent headers away but often I've noticed the opposition have more runners than we have markers so there's often a "free attacker" in the box who can purposely "avoid a zone". Doesn't happen often that the ball will land on his head but its sods law that over a number of games that will lead to a goal where people won't notice the X number of games previously where zonal marking has made the defence stronger.
 
Hugill was the first defender but I’ve noticed that in his absence that Barky is now the fourth of the four along the 6 yard box and the other 3 have moved up one.
 
Hugill was the first defender but I’ve noticed that in his absence that Barky is now the fourth of the four along the 6 yard box and the other 3 have moved up one.

I wouldn't know the difference between zonal and man marking!! Did we even hear about this 5 years ago? We concede goals from corners like most other teams do!! It's just something else for the expert fans to blame!!
 
the article it said we have conceded only 1 'first contact' (new jargon to me) goals from set pieces this season, last season it was 6. issue is second ball, flick on or inability to make a clearance.
AN first time using it
jury is out but stats say we defend better as it is - but need to improvde second ball winning which is difficult as usually its down to luck where the ball lands like the reading goal for instance

Its based upon to much touted concept that making first contact with alien life forms being something to do with Preston North End's defensive tactics. I've always thought we have much to learn from other entities from our own dimension or others.
 
Not a fan of it anyone coming in from the edge of the box has a running jump at the ball where our players are fairly static so can’t jump as high you only need to look at Arsenal to see how many goals they concede from set pieces

except we use 'blockers' to stop the runs of those attackers.....often the midfield lads are used to block the opposition bigh guys.
 
I wouldn't know the difference between zonal and man marking!! Did we even hear about this 5 years ago? We concede goals from corners like most other teams do!! It's just something else for the expert fans to blame!!

I'm with you there. These same experts use terms like "playing through the thirds". I'd love to know what the fuck that is meant to mean.
 
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