Tips for a beginner defenseman in lacrosse are designed to help improve your footwork on the field as well as your basic fundamentals on defense. While positioning and technique are priorities with respect to defensive skills, it also is important to develop your physical fitness levels through conditioning and off-field workouts.
One on One Tip
Beginning defenders who find themselves in one-on-one situations get a chance to showcase their techniques and athletic ability. If an attacker is running directly toward you, start out in the ready position with your knees slightly bent. From here, extended your stick out and away from your body, in such a manner that you are ready to engage the attacker. From here, staying on the balls of your feet will allow you to move quickly when the attacker makes a move.
Attacking Defense
The majority of beginning defenders concern themselves with stealing the ball from the man they are guarding. Instead of going for an interception or steal, being aggressive will help you obtain better positioning on defense. Using physical contact to check and reposition an attacker will help take him out of his rhythm, helping you make stops during the game. Physical contact can be manifested by body checks and poke checks, each of which are effective at different times of the game.
Off-Ball Positioning
During a lacrosse game, it is important to get proper positioning on your attack man, even when he does not have the ball. If the attacker you are guarding does not have the ball, shift over to his ball side, giving yourself an extra step or two advantage when a pass comes his way. If a pass does go toward him while in this position, you will be more likely to intercept or deflect the ball.
Foot Positioning
As a beginner, it is important that you always execute proper footwork and body positioning during a practice or game. If the man you are defending does not have the ball, shift your body sideways so that you can simultaneously look at the field and your man. While on defense, you should never cross your feet during play. The only time this is acceptable is when you are running to cover an attacker who is slashing across the field.
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