In lacrosse, communication plays the most fundamental role in any solid defense. Defensemen must constantly inform each other what the other team is doing. When a player constantly shouts his intentions, his teammates can provide assistance. Also, loud and aggressive communication can intimidate the other team and distract opposing offensive players. A great defender constantly scans the field and checks his surroundings. However, a great defense relies on teammates to fill in the gaps, because it is difficult for a player to see what is happening behind him.
Defensive players should also feel confident on their feet and use good foot placement throughout a game. When pursuing an offensive player who is moving side to side, a defenseman should never cross his feet and risk tripping himself and subsequently losing the ball. Instead, he should shuffle, a technique that requires practice and concentration.
Defensemen must also practice proper checking technique and ensure that they constantly cover their man with the stick, especially when in the offensive end of the field. This severely limits the opposing team’s options, forcing them to take risks and possibly lose possession of the ball.
Defensive players should also pay close attention to their opponents’ weaknesses. After taking note of another player’s dominant hand, they may force him to play with his non-dominant side. If an opponent is right-handed, defenders should stand on the player’s right side, forcing the player to use his left hand or run at the defenseman and lose the ball. Once he takes the ball in his left hand, the defenseman may hip-check him to coerce him down the left lane.
Always remember that a defensive unit must function as a team. When a single player attempts to handle too much, the whole team suffers. Those on defense must learn to rely on each other and anticipate each other’s moves. As mentioned before, communication is a key element in functioning as an orchestrated whole.
