Principals of Defending
Channelling
Channelling is the action of a defending player preventing an attacker entering space, usually a direct line to goal.
- Channelling is achieved by good footwork.
- Sideways body position.
- Stick fairly low to the ground.
- Body position preventing the attacker driving towards goal and from cutting back with the ball to pass infield.
Intercepting poor passes is often created by pressure applied from the team not in possession of the ball.
- The intercepting player watches the ball carefully.
- Moves towards the ball with stick down on the ground
- Moves away quickly with the ball or passes once possession has been made – remember cut off opponents route back to the ball
Marking
Marking means tracking individual players and covering space through which passes can be made. It is an important aspect of the game with defenders attempting to stop an attacker gaining possession of the ball.
- Marking will generally be from the side or slightly in front for most of the pitch, with the defender trying to intercept the ball.
- Marking an attacker in the circle will generally be from slightly behind the player or to the side if more experienced, with the defender trying to intercept the ball.
- Defender will keep close to the attacker and between the attacker and the goal
