Engaging Distance and Give

Explanation: The role of a defender is to stop an opponent attacking the space in front of goal, by getting into a position to block or slow the attackers run. To successfully defend a one-on-one situation keep the ball in front of the body and stay the correct distance from the ball.

Engaging distance is also known as approach distance, and is the distance players need to move to in order to pressurise an opponent. The give side of this technique is often referred to as push back, and involves the defender realising they are getting too close to an opponent. When this happens move back away from the attacker and resume the correct defensive position, before pressuring the ball again.

Description: Defender need to position themselves between the ball and the goal. Face the ball, so that the shoulders and feet point towards the ball. Once set up in this position start to move towards the ball, but remember to keep the correct distance away, as to not make it easy for an opponent to skip past. Grip the stick with the separated shake-hands technique.

The correct distance for a defender to be is no further than 7 yards away from the ball. Once in the correct distance make the left foot lead and make sure the ball is inline with the right shoulder. To engage, push off the back (right) foot, and to give, push off the lead (left) foot. Move feet quickly and stay on the balls of the feet. The feet should be about shoulder width apart with knees bent, and the upper body slightly crouched.

The head of the stick should be on the ground in front of the feet. Pressure the ball, but stay balanced and in a defensive position, be aware of the distance from the ball, and look for opportunities to tackle.

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