
Man Marking Game
Objective:
-
To establish both the individual and team discipline required for successful defending;
-
To establish good 1 vs. 1 defending habits;
-
To practice reading the game (Sweeper Role); to encourage attackers to "elude" tight marking.
​
Target:
-
To outsmart your individual marking opponent both in attack and defense. As a team, to outscore the opposition.

Organization
-
Field sized according to numbers and ages (approximately 50 x 40 yards) with halfway line.
-
Goals/poles are set up (4 yards wide).
-
Squad is split up evenly (e.g., 5 vs. 5).
-
Every player is assigned a "Partner Opponent" from opposing team.
-
One "pair" split to become the sweepers. “Sweepers" are changed every four or five minutes.
-
Each player can only mark and challenge his assigned opponent.
-
The sweeper can challenge anyone.
-
No one can challenge the sweeper.
-
"Sweepers" are restricted to their own half of the field, and are limited to "two touches" maximum on each ball contact.
-
Interceptions (not challenges/tackles) are permitted by anyone.
-
No one is allowed to handle the ball.
Teaching
-
Encourage players to challenge their opponent without "diving in" and being left trailing.
-
Make each player aware of "opponent" at all times.
-
When the attack breaks down have former "attacker" react immediately by attempting to recover to defending position "goal-side" of opponent.
-
Encourage players to get forward to score.
-
Encourage player caught "wrong side" to get back if a teammate loses the ball, but don't criticize them if they are caught out when trying to make a positive forward run.
-
Encourage the "sweepers" to block an attack or to be available for a back pass from own team.
​
Progressions
-
Not Applicable