Defending on court (3)

DESCRIPTION

• GD focus on preventing front cut which would allow GA to hit top of circle
• GD angles body to encourage GA to drive forward towards WA; receives ball and does quick return to WA
• GD steps up into space to prevent the front cut to top of circle
• (1) GA will drive into nearside pocket, and run the backline. GD gets her on her back and drives with her, keeping her off edge, and cuts off backline drive or takes intercept.
• Simulanteaously WD must try to prevent WA drive to the top of the circle and drive her to pocket, on her back

Progressions/Variations:

• GD forces GA to cut across flat (see Defencing on Court (2)), how would WD then react?
• Add in GS and GK
• Add in (initially) static C in far-side pocket. What might happen if GA swings ball to C rather than a 1-2 to WA? Could GK come out to intercept?
• Allow players to run through at full speed, looking at all variations

COACHING POINTS

• Stand up straight and tall, on balls of feet, feet under body, eyes up
• Keep off the body but angled to "encourage" the attacker forward
• Stepping off body again and taking the space to prevent the front cut drive
• Don't overrun or be tempted in for intercept on short, close ball - they've made no ground, so you've already been successful
• Attacker onto your back once you're forcing the long drive, angled to see ball and player
• If long ball isn't played, and they reset, defender resets!
• Encourage high intensity run-throughs
• Ask the girls to give feedback to each other, positive and constructive