REPETITION OF DEFENSIVE FOOTWORK, DEFENSIVE BODY/STICK POSITION, BLOCK TACKLE GRIP AND EXECUTION
PLAYERS
1+ PLAYERS
SPACE
15m x 15m
EQUIPMENT
10+ BALLS, 12+ CONES
EXPLANATION:
O starts in position lined to a central area (in line to goal), then makes an arcing run towards the first ball on the forehand side.
O establishes defensive position and blocks the first ball away between the cones. She then retracts slightly and moves to second ball and repeats the pattern through each of the 5 balls on the right side.
O then moves to the left side and repeats the same pattern until all of the balls are displaced.
O returns to starting position, and balls are reset.
Repeat x5.
COACHING POINTS:
Player should maintain good Engaging Distance from ball. This distance will vary from player to player. It is a position from which the defender can just touch the ball at full reach (see photo 1).
Knees should be bent, low center of gravity, feet moving at speed with short steps to maintain the Engaging Distance. Defender should NOT swing stick, instead move forward with left hand leading and stick maintaining the same angle.
After each block, defender should bring stick back into a Neutral position, protecting feet and any pass through that space (see photo 2, 3).
EVALUATION:
Defender should be balanced and controlled while changing direction and moving. No big steps, but short, quick, balanced moves.
Defender should only get a slight touch on the ball. She is looking to slightly dislodge the ball from possession of the attacker, and then retreat in a defensive stance.
