Firstly, i'd just like to say that i didn't make this article
and am by no means trying to take claim for this article.
This article was written by Tubey84 over at 'The Away Stand'.
here's the link to the original article.
http://www.theawaystand.co.uk/commu...nal-marking-vs-man-marking-making-the-choice/
Zonal Marking vs. Man Marking - Making The Choice
This is going to be a quick write-up about my theories on marking within the FM10 match engine. This applies to recent FM games too.
Writing a guide on marking or defending is generally something I never like to do, because even though the theory is sound, you'll always get the odd instance in-game when it appears that your defence isn't working.
This is because defending, by it's very nature, isn't a 100% perfect thing. Just like there's no formation set-up that guarantees goals, there's no defensive set-up that guarantees clean sheets. Sooner or later you will concede.
All you can do is get the technical side of tactical construction right so that you have a better chance of keeping a clean sheet. The variables of physical, mental and technical player stats still remain, as do all the hidden stats, team talks, morale etc.
So I wanted to clarify that in your mindset because I think it's important - there's NO concrete answer to this problem.
Now, to business.
What is Zonal Marking?
As it infers, it's marking in a zone. Each player assigned a zonal marking responsibility will be completely responsible for that area of the pitch. This doesn't only apply to defenders; it's the whole team. Let me stress another point - defending is a team concept. You will have heard the term "build from the back" when it comes to attacking. With defending, you "defend from the front".
What is Man Marking?
Man marking is actually a more confusing thing to describe in terms of the match engine. In theory, it means one player picks up another player and sticks with him. But that isn't actually what man marking is. Imagine the chaos if this was actually applied? Players would be pulled out of position non-stop. Imagine Tim Cahill starts up front for Everton, then is dragged into midfield - his man marker would theoretically follow him as he has been assigned that player, meaning the defender moves into midfield!
Nope - in FM, man marking pretty much means the player will mark a specific player when the ball looks likely to involve that opposition player (such a very, very basic way of putting it, but it does the job - just.) The distinction in FM terms between this and zonal marking is actually pretty slight.
Which Is "Harder" To Pull Off?
This is the common question. The answer is... there is no answer. No, bare with me, that isn't a cop out.
The reason is because there should never be an instance where you mark with one philosophy exclusively.
Bare in mind I said defending is a team issue. So now, a general rule:
Zonal Marking is suited to attacking players.
Man Marking is suited to defensive players.
I don't mean this in terms of position on the pitch - I mean in terms of mentality. A Wing Back, for example, could/perhaps should be used with a Zonal marking mentality even if in a flat line of four.
It's obvious why. Attackers look to find space to exploit. They want to lose their man and be in space at the drop of a hat. As such, patrolling a zone means they can defensively put pressure on high up the pitch but still keep enough distance to turn and think forward in a flash.
That rule doesn't always apply - a Target Man can often be used as a Man Marker, as he'll attach himself to a defender, win flick ons for other attackers which basically takes one defender out of the defensive phase.
Similarly, a defensive midfielder can patrol a zone if you have a packed midfield (although commonly they're man markers watching the runner from midfield.)
OK, sure, but the Centre-Backs...?
Hehe... I'm guessing a few of you will read the above and, despite my best efforts, not care about unit defending. Fair enough.
I'm not denying that the defensive partnership at the back is the most important part of defending (although a defending midfielder is crucial to stop your defenders rushing out and leaving gaps tbh, but anyway.)
I'll stick my neck out with another general rule.
Man Marking is more suited to defenders in a higher standard of league, because it requires high marking, tackling and concentration, as well as decent overall mental and physical stats.
Zonal Marking is more suited to defenders in a lower quality of league as it employs a "seek and destroy" attitude of getting to the ball before the attacker and smashing it away.
Again, that's really, really simple. It's entirely possible to employ marking the other way around, but in my experience it leads to a few more errors if you employ man marking in the lower leagues.
Further to this, I suggest reading the STAR COMBOS guide for the Stopper/Cover partnership which is very helpful in preventing a static defensive partnership.
How Do OI's Effect The Defense?
Erm, massively, put bluntly!
I'll explain the pros and cons of certain key OI's on the defensive line, not the attacking line.
Tight Marking - This doesn't overrule zonal and create a man marking approach as such, however it sounds. It just means that the player will be doubly committed in their marking duties. That can actually be a bad thing; especially against fast players, because the defender will get too close, too early, make a mistake and get spun and exposed. It's a dangerous OI, and should be used with caution.
Closing Down - With your "Stopper", it can be an OK OI, but generally it's suicidal to have your centre-backs closing down often - for the reason mentioned above. They'll run too high up the pitch and leave a gaping hole behind.
Hard Tackling - Again, depends on player stats and the opposition. "Well, duh!" I hear you scream, but I mean it as in throwing the committed tackle can either stop an attack dead... or leave your centre-half on the ground with the attacker free on goal. Just consider things carefully.
Weaker Foot - I personally think this is beneficial on most occasions. Can't really explain why, other than it lessens the chance of a harmful shot from range and even lessens the chance of a quality pass because its the weaker foot. Of course, different rules apply to full-backs. If they're facing a wide player who can't cross or have no pace but great passing and long shot ability, you may want to encourage them down the outside.
That's pretty much it! A lot of it depends on how closely you analyse your squads strengths and weaknesses. Hope it helped.
and am by no means trying to take claim for this article.
This article was written by Tubey84 over at 'The Away Stand'.
here's the link to the original article.
http://www.theawaystand.co.uk/commu...nal-marking-vs-man-marking-making-the-choice/
Zonal Marking vs. Man Marking - Making The Choice
This is going to be a quick write-up about my theories on marking within the FM10 match engine. This applies to recent FM games too.
Writing a guide on marking or defending is generally something I never like to do, because even though the theory is sound, you'll always get the odd instance in-game when it appears that your defence isn't working.
This is because defending, by it's very nature, isn't a 100% perfect thing. Just like there's no formation set-up that guarantees goals, there's no defensive set-up that guarantees clean sheets. Sooner or later you will concede.
All you can do is get the technical side of tactical construction right so that you have a better chance of keeping a clean sheet. The variables of physical, mental and technical player stats still remain, as do all the hidden stats, team talks, morale etc.
So I wanted to clarify that in your mindset because I think it's important - there's NO concrete answer to this problem.
Now, to business.
What is Zonal Marking?
As it infers, it's marking in a zone. Each player assigned a zonal marking responsibility will be completely responsible for that area of the pitch. This doesn't only apply to defenders; it's the whole team. Let me stress another point - defending is a team concept. You will have heard the term "build from the back" when it comes to attacking. With defending, you "defend from the front".
What is Man Marking?
Man marking is actually a more confusing thing to describe in terms of the match engine. In theory, it means one player picks up another player and sticks with him. But that isn't actually what man marking is. Imagine the chaos if this was actually applied? Players would be pulled out of position non-stop. Imagine Tim Cahill starts up front for Everton, then is dragged into midfield - his man marker would theoretically follow him as he has been assigned that player, meaning the defender moves into midfield!
Nope - in FM, man marking pretty much means the player will mark a specific player when the ball looks likely to involve that opposition player (such a very, very basic way of putting it, but it does the job - just.) The distinction in FM terms between this and zonal marking is actually pretty slight.
Which Is "Harder" To Pull Off?
This is the common question. The answer is... there is no answer. No, bare with me, that isn't a cop out.
The reason is because there should never be an instance where you mark with one philosophy exclusively.
Bare in mind I said defending is a team issue. So now, a general rule:
Zonal Marking is suited to attacking players.
Man Marking is suited to defensive players.
I don't mean this in terms of position on the pitch - I mean in terms of mentality. A Wing Back, for example, could/perhaps should be used with a Zonal marking mentality even if in a flat line of four.
It's obvious why. Attackers look to find space to exploit. They want to lose their man and be in space at the drop of a hat. As such, patrolling a zone means they can defensively put pressure on high up the pitch but still keep enough distance to turn and think forward in a flash.
That rule doesn't always apply - a Target Man can often be used as a Man Marker, as he'll attach himself to a defender, win flick ons for other attackers which basically takes one defender out of the defensive phase.
Similarly, a defensive midfielder can patrol a zone if you have a packed midfield (although commonly they're man markers watching the runner from midfield.)
OK, sure, but the Centre-Backs...?
Hehe... I'm guessing a few of you will read the above and, despite my best efforts, not care about unit defending. Fair enough.
I'm not denying that the defensive partnership at the back is the most important part of defending (although a defending midfielder is crucial to stop your defenders rushing out and leaving gaps tbh, but anyway.)
I'll stick my neck out with another general rule.
Man Marking is more suited to defenders in a higher standard of league, because it requires high marking, tackling and concentration, as well as decent overall mental and physical stats.
Zonal Marking is more suited to defenders in a lower quality of league as it employs a "seek and destroy" attitude of getting to the ball before the attacker and smashing it away.
Again, that's really, really simple. It's entirely possible to employ marking the other way around, but in my experience it leads to a few more errors if you employ man marking in the lower leagues.
Further to this, I suggest reading the STAR COMBOS guide for the Stopper/Cover partnership which is very helpful in preventing a static defensive partnership.
How Do OI's Effect The Defense?
Erm, massively, put bluntly!
I'll explain the pros and cons of certain key OI's on the defensive line, not the attacking line.
Tight Marking - This doesn't overrule zonal and create a man marking approach as such, however it sounds. It just means that the player will be doubly committed in their marking duties. That can actually be a bad thing; especially against fast players, because the defender will get too close, too early, make a mistake and get spun and exposed. It's a dangerous OI, and should be used with caution.
Closing Down - With your "Stopper", it can be an OK OI, but generally it's suicidal to have your centre-backs closing down often - for the reason mentioned above. They'll run too high up the pitch and leave a gaping hole behind.
Hard Tackling - Again, depends on player stats and the opposition. "Well, duh!" I hear you scream, but I mean it as in throwing the committed tackle can either stop an attack dead... or leave your centre-half on the ground with the attacker free on goal. Just consider things carefully.
Weaker Foot - I personally think this is beneficial on most occasions. Can't really explain why, other than it lessens the chance of a harmful shot from range and even lessens the chance of a quality pass because its the weaker foot. Of course, different rules apply to full-backs. If they're facing a wide player who can't cross or have no pace but great passing and long shot ability, you may want to encourage them down the outside.
That's pretty much it! A lot of it depends on how closely you analyse your squads strengths and weaknesses. Hope it helped.