Zonal Defense: Covering Width in Defending Third

Not all zonal defense systems are alike. One of the things that differentiates one zone from another can be how the system covers the width of the pitch, especially in the defensive third of the field. The level of play influences this decision as does the experience, tactical understanding and physical abilities of the individual components of the back line.

We will take a look at three different ideas on how to cover width in the defensive third of the field utilizing a flat back four. In doing so, it is important to note a couple of constants that are present regardless of how we seek to cover of width.

1) A back should not move more than 1 channel away from his own channel.
2) Center backs must remain central.
3) If a center back is more than one channel from his own, who is protecting the goalkeeper at the face of the goal?