LAX tips for the Defense

We could all be better and anyone who believes they’ve reached perfection is probably moments away from getting scored on. Any coach will tell you that to improve defensively, you must practice. So next time you hit the field whether it’s to practice or battle it out in some real competition, use these tips to get the edge over your offensive opponent:

First and foremost, communication is key. The louder team is usually the more experienced and fluid team. And as our ancient ancestors knew well, a loud group is an intimidating group. Everyone being loud at the same time though, not a good plan for any team, as the louder team also needs good communication to go side by side.
On defense, don’t rush an attack man after he’s caught the ball. It’s too easy for him to dodge if you have forward momentum. Instead, press him, poke check him, but let him work toward the goal through you.
You don’t have to be facing a man to mark him up. By merely keeping him in your periphery, you can keep track of both him and the ball.
When your teammate leaves his man to back up on a dodge, the entire defense slides over a man, leaving the only uncovered man farthest from the ball.
When you check, check with a purpose; make it short and hard across the forearm and follow through with your body, and never raise your stick too high.
If your man is behind the goal, play the pipe on the same side as him. Go after them only when the ball makes it back there.
If your man attempts to pass the ball, check him across the arms. If he gets the pass off, take a couple steps back away from him and anticipate the cut. And when he does cut, never let him go by untouched, make him work for it without obstructing.
When clearing the ball, aim for the intended target’s face so that they catch it in front of them. This will make it harder for an opponent to check them.
Footwork is a fundamental! Stay low with knees bent when on the move and never cross your feet unless sprinting.
When the ball is on the other side of the field, keep your stick on your man. You don’t want one of their defenders or goalie “cheaping” it down field. It will also force him to roll dodge when the time comes.