4v4 Possession with Man-Marking
4v4 keep-ball where every player has a direct opponent with the same number and can only tackle, or be tackled by, that player. Six passes score a point.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 8–10
- Duration
- 14 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- High
- Area
- 25 × 20 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Possession game
- Objectives
- Technical: 1v1 defending, Passing
- Tactical: Ball possession, Decision making
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Shielding the ball
- Tactical:Ball retentionMovement to receiveMarking
- Physical:Change of direction
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
Man-marking makes every duel personal. Attackers have to lose their marker with a check run or a change of pace before receiving, and must shield the ball when the marker arrives. Defenders learn to stay goal-side and close to their player without losing sight of the ball.
Objective
Get free from a direct marker to receive, and mark your own opponent closely without losing sight of the ball.
Organisation
- 25 × 20 m area.
- Two teams of four with numbered bibs (1–4). Each player marks the opponent with the same number.
- With nine or ten players, add one or two neutrals who play with the team in possession.
How it works
- Players may only tackle, and be tackled by, their direct opponent.
- Six passes in a row score one point.
- When a defender wins the ball, their team keeps it and every player now has to get free from their marker.
- 4 × 3 minutes with 1 minute rest. Change pairs between rounds.
Coaching points
- Move away from the ball first, then come back towards it: the marker follows and you gain a metre.
- Receive with your body between the marker and the ball.
- If your marker is tight, play one-touch; if they drop off, turn.
- Defender: position yourself so you can see your player and the ball at the same time.
- Defender: anticipate when the pass is slow, stay on your feet when it is not.
Progressions
- Two-touch limit.
- Remove the neutrals.
Regressions
- Bigger area (30 × 25 m).
- Defenders may intercept passes but not tackle.
Variations
- A point for a pass to a player whose marker has lost sight of them (the coach decides).
Key principles
- Get free before receiving.
- Shield the ball.
- Mark close, watch the ball.
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