Zone system

A system to identify geographical areas on the pitch, support players with the ‘where’ of team & player tasks, and provide more specific structure for formations & positions

The field is split into four horizontal ‘blocks’ and five vertical ‘lanes’
  • The zone system:
    • Allows coaches and players to identify areas on the pitch in a common, shared language
    • Gives structure and rules for attacking and defending
    • Allows players to identify areas of opportunity and risk
  • The system is:
    • 5 lanes vertically across the field with:
      • 2 wide lanes (left and right)
      • 2 half spaces
      • 1 central lane
    • 4 blocks horizontally up the field
      • Block A (attacking goal)
      • Block B and C (middle of the field)
      • Block D (defending goal)

The zone system can be used to define specific team tasks. For example:

Attacking

Field players

  • Must have a minimum of one player in each Lane across the field, except when the ball enters Block A 
  • The closest centre back to the ball must be at least half a block back from the 6/8/2/5 if they have the ball
  • When the ball can go into the penalty box, try to get 4 players in the box, 2 players in the shot box and 1 player on the goalkeeper (4-2-1)

Goalkeeper

  • The goalkeeper must be no more than 1 block from their centre backs

Defending

Field players

  • Team must be 1 block from most forward attacker to deepest defender
  • The whole team must be 3 lanes around the ball from each other
  • When the ball can go into the penalty box, get even or more numbers than the opposition in the box

Goalkeeper

  • The goalkeeper must be no more than 1 block from their centre backs