Training markers (also called flat discs, disc cones, or saucers) are among the most frequently used items in soccer training. They are inexpensive, but choosing the wrong ones causes plenty of headaches: discs too small that get flattened underfoot, too few colors to separate zones, or no numbers when you need to call positions.
This guide works through four dimensions, size, color, numbering, and material, to give you a systematic way to choose.
1. Size: What Is the Difference Between 4, 6, 8, and 10 Inch?
Training markers come mainly in four sizes: 4 inch (10 cm), 6 inch (15 cm), 8 inch (20 cm), and 10 inch (25 cm).
| Size | Diameter | Typical Use | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | ~10 cm | Fine-detail marking, dense layouts | Light and space-saving; easy to kick away when stepped on |
| 6 inch | ~15 cm | The everyday training workhorse | Best all-round starting size |
| 8 inch | ~20 cm | Field boundaries, zone marking | Clearly visible, good for large pitches |
| 10 inch | ~25 cm | Match-zone marking, perimeters | Most visible, but costly when you need many |
Recommendation: new clubs or schools should start with 6 inch discs, visible enough, moderate weight, and not easily flipped. Add a few 10 inch discs for boundary marking on large pitches.
2. Color: How Many Colors, and How to Allocate Them?
The core function of color is to separate zones or groups. Single-color discs cannot do this.
Minimum setup: 4 colors (red / yellow / blue / green).
These four can simultaneously support:
- 4 different training zones running at once
- Group competition (red vs blue)
- Triangle passing shapes (red = fixed point, yellow = moving target, green = boundary)
Step up: add white and orange.
White is for base boundary lines (high contrast, used most). Orange has the strongest contrast on grass, ideal for slalom and shuttle drills.
Suggested purchase ratio (for 100 discs):
| Color | Suggested Count |
|---|---|
| White | 25 |
| Yellow | 20 |
| Red | 20 |
| Blue | 20 |
| Green | 15 |
See our full marker range and color options.
3. Numbered or Plain?
Numbered markers (printed 1-20) suit these situations:
- Positional training: the coach calls "position 3" and the player returns quickly
- Warm-up roll call: confirm attendance by number
- Tactical setup: use numbered discs to represent positions when explaining tactics
- Shooting practice: numbered discs mark target zones (hit 5, hit 12)
Not suited to numbers:
- Boundary marking (numbers are meaningless)
- Agility shuttles (movement is fast, reading numbers adds load)
- Large layouts of same-color discs (numbers cause confusion)
Recommendation: keep one set of numbered discs (20 pieces, 1-20) and use plain colors for the rest. Choose black numbers on white or yellow, readable from 10 m away.
4. Flat Disc vs Cone: Which for Which Scenario?
| Feature | Flat Marker | Triangle / Cone |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | High | Medium |
| Visual height | Low (flat) | High (10-30 cm) |
| Chance of being knocked over | Low | High |
| Player safety | No injury if stepped on | Small cones can trip |
| Indoor suitability | Yes | Caution (large cones can hurt feet) |
| Boundary marking | Yes | Yes |
| Slalom / shuttle drills | Yes | Yes (more visual) |
For the main training scenarios, flat discs are recommended: no injury when stepped on, no interference with the ball's path, suitable for all ages 6 and up. Only reach for cones when a slalom session genuinely needs greater visual height.
5. Material and Durability
Training markers come in two main material types.
Rigid PVC discs: lowest price, but become brittle in cold and crack at the edges underfoot. Not recommended for cold-climate winter outdoor use.
Flexible PE / TPU discs: elastic, spring back into shape after being stepped on, and tolerate cold. EcoWalker markers use food-grade PE that stays flexible to minus 20 C, suitable for year-round outdoor training.
Pre-purchase checks:
- Is the disc perfectly flat (an uneven disc makes the ball hop)
- Are the edges smooth (no burrs, safe to step on)
- Is the color even (cheap discs vary, blurring zone separation)
6. Recommended Kits by Scenario
Home / Individual Training (1 child)
- 6 inch, 4 colors, 5 each = 20 total
- Numbered discs 1-10 = 10
Small Youth Squad (under 20)
- 6 inch, 5 colors, 20 each = 100 total
- Numbered discs 1-20 = 20
School PE Class (30-60)
- 6 inch, 5 colors, 30 each, plus 10 inch white x 20 = 170 total
- Numbered discs 1-20 = 20
Summary
Choosing markers is not complicated. Hold on to three points: 6 inch is the go-to size, start with 4 colors, and flexible PE lasts. Numbered discs are a step-up accessory you do not need many of at the start. For bulk orders or special color combinations, contact us for a custom plan.
See the EcoWalker training marker range.