Cone Zone Drill
Source:
India Chadwick - University of Liverpool Season Plan
A great drill to introduce your defensive unit to zone defence
Drill Description:
Groups of 5
Create a circle of cones, split the circle into 3 sections (using cones). Put a bib in the middle of the circle.
Start with 1 defender in each section and 1 attacker working around the outside to get into the middle and pick up the bib. Defence cannot leave their section.
Focus on communication - 'on your left/right' and sliding as attacker enters the circle.
Progress to creating 5 sections.
3 defenders and 1 attacker but defenders can move sections.
Then 5 defenders (1 per section). 2 attackers.
Focus on communication 'ready to go' and '(Name) Go' to work on sending the slide.
Attack look to take slipstream cut after the slide comes.
Variations
Make circle bigger to challenge defenders to cover the space/area
Move drill to 6v6 around goal. Use same communication. Focus on high pressure on ball, adjacents hedged towards abll and second slides communicating who is ready to go. Send slide as soon as ball carrier enters the 15m.
Skills Practiced:
Defensive communication
Slides
Decision making and anticipation in defence