man-mark

Definition

To mark an opposition player closely.

Example Sentences

• "In the most extreme form of man-marking, each player has a pre-established opponent to be followed and to be man-marked, from a more or less short distance, wherever he goes. The main objective of the defender is to steal the ball from his opponent if he receives it, or to place him in a threatened condition, thus forcing him to immediately get rid of the ball."
• "No, and I still hate him. This is for you. He's going to be man-marked. He won't be allowed anywhere near you. I'll rip him to pieces if he tries anything funny, […]"
• "Our manager Don Megson had given me the job of man-marking George Best, so we were both a little disappointed, shall we say, that he scored after only 71 seconds."