Playing in the area means arranging oneself in such a way as to occupy one's own zone, according to the principles of equitable distribution, rationality and team unity. In this regard it is necessary to divide the field, longitudinally, in equal parts and arrange, in each zone, a player for the defensive line and one for the midfield line. In this way, a balanced distribution is obtained both laterally and vertically.
In addition to equitable distribution, it is necessary to have a predetermined tactical balance that allows the various alternation solutions of the two phases of the game to be prepared more easily, since the positions in the field and the functions of the individual are immediately known.
Each player is responsible for his own area of competence, both horizontally and vertically, up to the limit of the zone defended by his partner.
The term "team unit" means that each player must have a unique attitude during the defensive phase. This means that players need to know the tasks and positions of their teammates to support an adequate game situation.
To defend in the area we also need to know the positions of the ball, our team mates, our opponents and our goal.
The area marking takes place in the field area of its competence, but the fact remains that the players must also monitor the neighboring areas.
It is also right to point out that in order to defend a zone and be effective, we must know how to defend a man.
Some tips to correctly implement zone play:
- the central defenses must guarantee speed and capacity during the aerial game;
- given that frontally the opponents have only 180 ° of game possibilities, it may be that the side band opposite to the one with the ball remains free;
- attention that the department lines do not flatten or overlap;
- climb in the neighboring areas towards the ball;
- depending on the action, stay on 30/40 meters;
- the game system must be related to the players' field layout and their duties;
- make pressing and offside;
- the side players of the defensive line must be able to actively participate in the attack maneuver;
- it is necessary to give rise to an organic and rational distribution in the field;
- during the non-possession phase of the ball, the spaces are shortened and tightened, vice versa, in the possession phase they widen and lengthen.
Compared to the man marking, in the zone game the players are more involved, being less dependent on the opponent. The workload is more evenly divided between the various players and the departmental distances are reduced, with the advantage that it is possible to perform pressing, attack actions and passages between the teammates more effectively.
On the other hand, the zone gaming system may have disadvantages:
- slower progress during the ball possession phase;
- always playing in the same areas, you can lose yourself in fantasy and unpredictability.
Answers to the area:
- individual action;
- rapid triangulations;
- in response to offside, exchange between two players and insertion of a third from behind the ball line;
- exploit the "blind" area through gaming, overlapping and game changes;
- play with long balls and sides of the attackers for the insertion of midfielders;
- use of three strikers to create great movement and continuous cuts;
- create one against one by using two attackers who are able to play near and central;
- the attackers must run diagonally and parallel (with respect to the line of defense) cutting into the interspaces.
Edited by: Lorenzo Boscariol
