DEFENDING

Close down on a curve to force the attacker onto the open stick side.

Maintain the distance of a stick and step away from opponent.

Get as side on as possible.

Jab with stick and fake with body to keep opponent’s eyes on the ball, so that they cannot see

passes.

Generally we want to close and channel onto the open stick side where defence is strongest.

There are, however, circumstances when channeling on the reverse side is required. If the attacker

receives on the left of the defender and the defender is not in a position to overtake and force

onto the open stick is one instance. The other is when there is no defensive cover in place, and to

force onto open stick would be dangerous. This would tend to happen in the defensive inside left

channel. A general rule would be, if in doubt force to the outside.

Scan to see if cover defender is in place.

Close on a curve to force to the reverse side.

Maintain a distance of a stick and step away from opponent.

Get as side on as possible.

Fake with stick and body to keep opponent’s eyes on the ball, so that they cannot see passes.

Basic grip.

Beat opponent to the ball.

Receive on the hook of the stick.

Angle the stick forward slightly to control the ball.

Get the ball to the open side quickly and scan for passes.

Basic grip.

Beat opponent to the ball.

Stick low early.

Receive on the toe of the stick.

Scan for passes.

Basic grip.

Do not get stick down early (immobile in this position), but tackle at the last moment.

Stick at right angles to the line of the ball.

Use the shaft of the stick.

Scan for passes.

One-handed grip.

Can use right or left hand, depending on the distance needed to reach.

Jab first, then lay the stick flat on the floor, tackle at the last moment.

Scan for passes.

One-handed grip, left hand.

Extend left arm.

Make the tackle at the last moment.

Lay the stick flat on the floor.

Use the shaft of the stick.

Drag to open stick side.

Scan for passes.

This can be done with one or two hands on the stick.

Run behind and to the left side of the opponent.

Extend the left arm.

Trap the ball then pull towards tackler.

Drag the ball to the open stick side.

Scan for passes.