Zoning the opposition

[fudge]

In tonight's game against the Saints, I noticed Johnson* and Hyde both zone the ball carrying opposition without actually going for the tackle. The St. Kilda player, realising that he's not going to be tackled, looks up, spots a target and delivers. Was I happy? No. no. no!

It would appear to me that there is *no* benefit of zoning your opponent in a one-one situation. So why do it? Wouldn't it be better to not allow your opponent to think by going for the tackle, hopefully rushing the disposal. The odds would then favour a turnover more than simply zoning your opponent.

Fudge

* I think Johnson did this a couple of times.

 

[pahoffm]

I see your point, fudge.

On the other hand, the zoning did push the Saints out wide.
I think they went down the flanks more than we did.

I think their indirect play, combined with their tiredness after being in Perth last weekend, plus our improved desperation, made for a close game.

BTW fudge. How do you account for the level f discrepancy betwwen Champion's & Prowess' stats last weekend? They seemed a fair distance apart.

 

[Bingo!]

Pettifer I noticed was zoning all the time.

I have an issue with this zoning. Although we got numbers back, on a number of times, Saints players were able to run inside 50 unmolested. We just ran back off them?

If you look at it from a tactical view point, zoning is a good tactic. But you need to have players who are smart enough to implement it. I think we lack some of these players. It is also very demanding to do for an entire game.

 

[pahoffm]

Pettifer I noticed was zoning all the time.

I have an issue with this zoning. Although we got numbers back, on a number of times, Saints players were able to run inside 50 unmolested. We just ran back off them?

If you look at it from a tactical view point, zoning is a good tactic. But you need to have players who are smart enough to implement it. I think we lack some of these players. It is also very demanding to do for an entire game.

I actually thought it stopped them from running into Inside50. Forced them to take shots out wide from Outside50.

 

[an_oxford_man]

I disagree, Fudge. Zoning is an intelligent defensive response to a dangerous attacking situation. Over committing to a contest is suicide at AFL level these days.

 

[Bingo!]

Pettifer I noticed was zoning all the time.

I have an issue with this zoning. Although we got numbers back, on a number of times, Saints players were able to run inside 50 unmolested. We just ran back off them?

If you look at it from a tactical view point, zoning is a good tactic. But you need to have players who are smart enough to implement it. I think we lack some of these players. It is also very demanding to do for an entire game.

I actually thought it stopped them from running into Inside50. Forced them to take shots out wide from Outside50.

I am referring to 2nd quarter I think. However, it could have been on the occasions when we did get caught out a few times on the kick outs.

 

[GoodOne]

Pettifer I noticed was zoning all the time.

I have an issue with this zoning. Although we got numbers back, on a number of times, Saints players were able to run inside 50 unmolested. We just ran back off them?

If you look at it from a tactical view point, zoning is a good tactic. But you need to have players who are smart enough to implement it. I think we lack some of these players. It is also very demanding to do for an entire game.

Zoning has its place on occassions. To zone effectively you need to be aware of your surroundings and be able to sum up the situation quickly. Zoning can be both effective for you or devastating to you. Requires talk from players around you too. I don't think generally the Tigers zone very well. Its obviously being used in training because I feel we zone far to often.

Cheers



I actually thought it stopped them from running into Inside50. Forced them to take shots out wide from Outside50.

I am referring to 2nd quarter I think. However, it could have been on the occasions when we did get caught out a few times on the kick outs.

 

[fudge]

With all due respect Gypsy, zoning is useful but in tonight's game, there was perhaps a few too many... Wasn't a St. Kilda goal kicked off a zone by Johnson on the half back line when an actual tackle would have been a much better option?

Fudge

 

[an_oxford_man]

With all due respect Gypsy, zoning is useful but in tonight's game, there was perhaps a few too many... Wasn't a St. Kilda goal kicked off a zone by Johnson on the half back line when an actual tackle would have been a much better option?

Fudge

Hey Fudge,

I don't recall that incident... I will have to watch the game again.

Obviously zoning isn't always the correct option, but tonight I though the technique was used effectively.

 

[Tigermad2005]

There comes a time when the player has to go at the man with the ball.
Make the ball carrier do something don't just him run up to the 50.

 

[blx]

in rugby league the defence patterns demand that your denfensive line shuffles across the field as a whole line pushing the opposition into the sideline. Theyre taught to use the sideline as the extra player. I take it that coralling in AFL footy has the same intent whereby the defensive team push the opposition toward the flanks or away from ther support, rather than up the guts.

Very effective when utilized correctly but yes there are moments mdfield where a tackle would be a much better option but you better make sure the tackle sticks otherwise