Marking Introduction Game
Defense
Legend
- player
- partner / opponent
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Introduce the concept of player marking by having each defender shadow one attacker throughout a small-sided game.
What you need
- field hockey sticks
- field hockey ball
- pinnies
- cones
Your focus
Understanding marking responsibilities is the first defensive concept young players need. Shadow-marking teaches body positioning, spatial awareness, and the importance of staying connected to an opponent. Early introduction to marking concepts accelerates defensive development.
Set up a 20x15-yard 3v3 game; assign each defender their specific attacker to mark.
Defenders must stay within 2 yards of their assigned attacker at all times.
Coach stops play when a defender loses their mark and resets the position.
After 5 minutes, discuss: why does marking your player help the team?
Goal
You've got it when your player can't receive the ball without you right there, they're marked tight every time the ball moves.
Helpful cues
- Know where your player is every second
- Mark goal-side, between them and the goal
- Stay close but don't foul
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Defenders only mark in one half of the field.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Defenders must call their assigned player's name every 10 seconds.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.