Zone defense means players defend an area, not a person. This teaches kids to stay in their lane and not follow the ball around aimlessly. Discipline and positioning first.
What you need: 4-6 kids, 1 ball, cones marking 4 zones in a 30x20 field.
Setup: Field is divided into 4 equal zones. One defender in each zone. Attackers pass the ball around.
How to run it:
- Attackers pass the ball using Plant, Open, Strike, Follow.
- Defenders stay inside their zone using Drop, Show, Stay, Win.
- Ball moves. Defender moves within their zone to stay between the ball and goal.
- If the ball leaves the zone, that defender relaxes and helps cover the new zone from behind.
- Play for 2 minutes.
What to watch: Do defenders stay in their zone? Or chase the ball across the field?
If they’re struggling: Make the zones bigger. Less ground to cover.
If they’ve got it: Make the zones smaller. Tighter space demands better positioning.