maDe in hEartlaNnd

Saturday, March 13, 2004

//What are the different styles of defence?

It is important that players develop skills in all styles of defence to avoid becoming predictable! Different opposition will react differently to the various styles of defence so what may work on some attackers may not on others, so the key to effective defence is to be able to apply the most disruptive style for each opposition.

- One on One
This is where the defender plays close to the body and in front of the attacker to restrict the opponents freedom of movement and to intercept any flat passes. For example, a GK may mark tightly one on one if the GS is close to the base line. This is basis of all other defensive styles and should be the first taught to young players. If taught well, it develops a player's vision, body angles, body balance, quick footwork and turning, close marking without contacting and timing to the intercept.

- Restrictive Marking
This is where the defending player marks her opponent to a specific area of court, by preventing her movement elsewhere. For example: a WD may work to force her opponent away from the circle edge towards the sideline to force an angled pass into the shooting circle.

- Off Marking
A player may decide to stand away from the opponent to deceive the passer into believing the player is free. The defender then goes for the intercept once the ball has left the passer's hands. It can also be effective in zone defence to try and confuse the passer on what space is available to the attacking players.

- Zone
The most commonly used zone is applied in the midcourt, it is where the defending players move into an area of court to crowd the space available to the attacking team. The aim of a zone is to force an intercept or to force the opposition into error, such as a held ball. It is harder to set up a zone now as players do not have to wait for 'play' in a throw in situation, so on a quick throw in there may not be the time to set up a zone effectively. Defensive players will need to use all the different styles of defence within the zone at different times, so all other defensive styles need to be taught first.

dawnstory Off the lights on 5:04 AM

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