zon*al mar*king
What Is The Definition Of Zonal Marking In Field Hockey?
1. Zonal marking is a form of marking in which defenders defend whichever attacking players enter into their specific zone. While the zones markers use may vary, the approach remains the same: When an attacker crosses into their zone, the defender tracks with them.
How Does Zonal Marking Work?
To form a defensive strategy, coaches decide which types of marking fit the opponent’s offense best. In some cases, they might elect to employ a zonal marking approach.
In these situations, coaches will train their players to follow a zone system and move as a unit to maintain teamwork in the back despite being split into different zones. Defenders must emphasize communication with one another as clever attackers may switch between zones.
In the game, the defense will mark every player that enters their specific zone, trading marks and communicating when attackers cross zones. In the case that one defender has two attackers in their zone, the defender takes the more dangerous attacker, or the one closest to the goal, while a neighboring defender picks up the other attacker with the other defenders following suit.
This adjustment effectively widens and narrows zones as needed, all rooted in proper training and communication.
What Are The Benefits Of Zonal Marking?
In field hockey, as well as soccer, ice hockey, and a wide swath of sports, zonal marking provides the defense with an approach that allows them to anticipate an attacker’s movements with the ball rather than following the attacker.
Additionally, if the defense were to dispossess the attackers, moving the ball up the field is much easier considering the defenders are already operating in space on the field.
Example Of How Zonal Marking Is Used In Commentary
1. UConn employs a wonderful use of zonal marking in its center—Maryland has no idea how to handle it.
Sport The Term Is Used
1. Field Hockey
