HOW TO DEFENSE

The defense’s job is to protect its goal. Positions may vary depending on the coaches’ preference, but there are generally three defensive positions: The right, left, and center defender. The goalie is also considered part of the defense — she is the last defender — but this guide will focus more on the defensive players than the goalie. Each defender is responsible for her side of the field. The left defender protects the left side, and the right defender covers the right. The center defender will always support the defender on the side of the field the opponents are attacking.

Marking

Within the defensive zone, there are three types of marking strategies: Zone, man-to-man, and match-up zone marking.

• Zone marking: The players are responsible for covering a specific area of the field and any opposing players who enter that zone.
• Man-to-man marking: Each player chooses an opponent to mark. She will remain to the side of her mark, staying ball-side and goal-side to her to prevent her from making offensive plays.
• Match-up zone marking: The players cover a specific area and man-to-man mark any opponent who enters.

Marking helps your team control the area in the defensive zone by covering the space or players. This provides opposition to the opposing team at all times, making scoring more difficult. So if you want to be successful, make your motto in the defensive zone "no woman left unmarked."