What is zonal marking? Origins, how it works, managers and teams

We examine the tactic of zonal marking in football, including its origins and the notable managers and teams who have employed this defensive strategy.

What is zonal marking?

Zonal marking refers to a method of defending in which players are assigned to specific areas as opposed to marking individual opponents.

This tactical term primarily refers to the way in which teams defend set-piece situations, typically corners, but can also be applied to how players set up defensively in open play.

In a zonal marking structure, players are typically given designated positions to take up and should the ball land in their zone they will be required to clear the danger.

Zonal marking is the opposite of man-to-man marking, which involves players being individually responsible for staying with a direct opponent.

The origins of zonal marking

The concept of zonal marking is believed to have originated in Brazil during the 1950s, with Fluminense manager Zeze Moreira taking a novel approach to move away from man-marking towards a new defensive structure focused on zones.

This tactical philosophy was later popularised in Europe in the 1970s by Rinus Michels during his tenures at Ajax and the Netherlands at the height of the the famed 'Total Football' era in Dutch football.

Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi was also a proponent of zonal marking, with this principle a key tactical component of his revered Milan team in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Which managers have coached zonal marking?

The following managers have all been known as proponents of zonal marking:

• Zeze Moreira
• Rinus Michels
• Arrigo Sacchi
• Jose Mourinho
• Rafael Benitez

Which teams have used zonal marking?

The following distinguished teams have all used zonal marking to defend set-pieces:

• Fluminense (1950s)
• Milan (1987-1991)
• Ajax (1970s)
• Netherlands (1970s)
• Barcelona (1970s)
• Liverpool (2004-2010 and 2015-2024)
• Real Madrid (2010-2013)
• Morocco (2022-present)

What are the advantages of zonal marking?

• Maintains defensive compactness by preventing gaps in the defence.
• Reduces the risk of being dragged out of position and losing attackers.
• Maintains a uniform defensive approach which is flexible to different opposition.
• Defenders can focus on the ball and clearing it from danger as opposed to being fixated on the player they are marking.

What are the disadvantages of zonal marking?

• Requires strong communication and concentration to ensure no space is left free for attackers to exploit.
• Can allow attacking players to get a run at defenders who are stationary in their designated zones.
• Attacking teams can overload certain areas to disrupt a zonal defensive structure.
• Can cause confusion when the ball lands on the border of separate defensive zones.