Players must defend as a team in zone play. Maintaining a proper team shape is crucial. The team must move towards the ball as a collective group, while still maintaining shape and attentiveness to forward attackers. Players generally do less running as they don't have to track opponents all over the field. It is easier to hide weaker players.
Teams are able to attack more efficiently from an organized shape.
Flatten defense without proper depth, positioning and recovery can lead to through balls and breakaways. Players must constantly decide whether to mark or support a teammate. The ball should be forced wide and kept wide. There must be constant pressure on the ball to prevent the vertical serve. 102 One of the best ways to understanding zonal defending is to the divide the field into 4 vertical channels.