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Defending Basics
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Proper Defensive Skills are easy to learn - the primary job of the defender is to contain the offensive threat and deny the goal.
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Warm
Up
Exercises
On Your Toes & Knees Bent  Proper balance is key to defending well.  You need to able to react quickly to your opponents moves and shifts in direction.
Back Pedaling Ability to run backwards with comfort and speed is key.  You want to be facing your opponent head-on at all times.  The full width of your body will shield the goal more effectively.
Side Stepping With this skill you can move laterally with ease while shielding the goal with your body.
Crossover Step The Crossover Step allows good lateral movement and makes it easier to turn and sprint.
Back Pedal, Crossover,
Turn & Run		 Putting it all together ...

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Marking
Players
Distance Between
You and Your
Mark
  • Shoulder to Shoulder, if a tight mark is called for in your defensive third
  • 1 yard for a normal mark in your defensive third of the field
  • 3-5 yards in midfield and your offensive third of the field
Positioning
  • Full width of your body should always be between your mark (the other team's player) and your goal
  • Use fakes and feints to draw your mark off the ball
  • Don't over commit!
  • Don't ever give up!
Be Aware ... Where is the ball?
Where is the goal?
Where am I?  (Defensive, middle or offensive third: center of field or outside)
Where is my nearest teammate?  Can they support me?
Where is my mark's nearest teammate?  Can they support my mark?
Where is there space for my opponent to attack?
What's the score and how much time is left?
Eliminate Space If they can't pass, cross or shoot, they can't score!

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