1. Mark Players for Defense
The only permanent position in field hockey is the goalie. The other players divide into three basic categories: attackers, midfielders and defenders. While all three play defense, the defenders in field hockey work to keep the ball out of their goal. When a defender "marks" a player, he picks one player to stay with or guard, similar to basketball. The defender follows the marked player around the field, while also paying attention to the ball.
2. Set up a Zone Defense
In zone defense, each defender gets an assigned area, rather than a player, to cover. The defender may cross zones to assist defenders, but she ultimately must cover her area at all times. This means at most, a defender should cross one zone to assist other defenders, but she should never cross two. Coaches may divide the defense into three zones and assign a fourth defender to float. That fourth defender stays with the ball regardless of the zone, allowing the other three to remain in their zone at all times.
3. Keep Your Eye on the Ball
When you look at the attacker, stay aware of any tricks or movements that are intended to fake you out. If the attacker's upper body or shoulders move left, you might assume that's the direction the person plans to move. However, that might be a fake. Watch the field hockey stick and the ball, which must change in the direction the player plans to move. The defender should remain focused on her zone or the type of defense being played while watching the ball. Directing all your attention to the ball may cause an injury or lead to a penalty.
4. Face Forward for Better Defense
The key to playing good defense is field position. A defender should position her body between the mark and the goal and stay between the ball and the goal, which allows the defender to assist if a player gets by the defender. Ideally defenders should always have their backs to their goal. Looking upfield allows the defender to clear the ball immediately from the defensive zone. If a defender faces the goal, he must turn around before he can clear the ball.
5. Pass to Avoid Penalty Corners
If a coach positions the entire team, the defenders have a better chance of preventing the other team from scoring. Coaches should position midfielders to function as a link between defenders and attackers. As soon as a defender tackles the ball, he should pass it to the link. Dribbling the ball most often leads to penalty corners through foot contact. Unless the defender has a clear path, the best way to clear the zone is to pass.
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