Sport (chiefly British, originally Football (Soccer)).
1958–
A system of defensive play in which an individual player is assigned a particular area on the field of play to defend.
Typically contrasted with man-marking, in which a player is assigned a specific opponent to mark; see man-markingn.
1958
If the winger goes ‘deep’, let him go. You must revert to what is called zonal marking. This is where you guard a particular zone and not a particular player.
Sports Argus 13 December (City Final edition) 6/6
1966
The slower pace and zonal marking seemed to suit Andhra more..when they manoeuvred to get their marksmen's sights well trained on the basket.
Times of India 31 December 12/4
2021
The players didn't do the zonal marking correctly, they were all standing in the wrong positions.
Daily Post (N. Wales) (Nexis) 26 October (Sport section) 37