mar*king
What Is The Definition Of Marking In Field Hockey?
1. Marking in field hockey is similar to marking in soccer or ice hockey. The goal of marking is to protect the defensive region by keeping tabs on attacking players and interfering with plays that advantage them.
How Do You Mark A Player In Field Hockey?
The method for how to mark a player differs slightly depending upon the approach. The three approaches to marking in field hockey are man marking, zonal marking, and a mixture of both.
In man marking, a defending player should stay between the attacking player and the goal, called staying “goalside.” If the player does not have possession of the ball, the defending player stays close to the attacker, moving as they move. If and when the attacking player goes to receive the ball, the defending player has the opportunity to step in front and intercept the ball to flip possession.
In zonal marking, a defensive player protects a particular area and covers any opposing player who enters. By marking a region, the defensive player is able to move more freely than if they were only marking one player.
When a mixed approach to marking is used, some players may move freely in the middle while others, such as wingers, may mark a player on the outside. Which players use zonal marking and which use man marking will vary depending on the defensive strategy used.
Why Is Marking Important In Field Hockey?
Marking is important because it significantly cuts down on the opponent’s opportunities to score. By employing a marking strategy, most or all members on the field are accounted for, and their attacks will be predictable.
Example Of How Marking Is Used In Commentary
1. UNC’s wingers are staying with their marks excellently; UNC has all but shut down Michigan’s flanks.