Defense
Tips for Defensemen to set you on your way to on-field success.
Sliding Defense
If a man leaves to back up on a dodge, the whole defense slides a man, leaving the man farthest from the ball open.
Crease Defensemen
Only in extreme cases, should the defense man on the crease leave to back up. Example: To stop a play that would end up in a score.
Keeping Up
Never cross your feet while playing an attack man unless you are forced to run to keep up with him.
Never Rake a Ground Ball
Always scoop a loose ball. Never draw (rake) it. If there is a crowd, go through and either kick it or scoop it up.
Keep After Him
If a man dodges you, keep after him. You should catch him as your backer comes in from the front.
Never in Front of Your Own Goal
Never pass a ball across in front of your goal.
Get After Him
If you are after a loose ball, but your attack man is ahead of you, press him hard if you cannot come up with the ball, but don’t give him the opportunity to go around you.
Don’t Turn Your Back to the Ball
After the man you are playing throws a ball, step back two steps quickly and be ready for a cut. Also always look in the direction of the ball as you drop off. Don’t turn your back on the ball.
Playing the Pass
As the man you are playing starts a pass, check across his arms, but don’t step in.
Playing Your Man
A. If the ball is out front, and your man is behind the goal, play on the pipe of the cage on the side of the goal your man is on. B. If the ball is behind the goal and your man is behind also although without the ball, go behind with him.
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