LOGIN TO CREATE PRACTICE PLANS

To make the backer zone effective, we want high on ball pressure ( on ball defender will pick up just outside the 12m ) making it difficult for the ball carrier to pass or dodge or see an open teammate to make a pass. The on ball defender must pressure the ball carrier with intensity while remaining composed. Your goal is to force the ball carrier down to the corner post of the field. The on ball defender must use good man to man defensive tactics ( good body position, create contact when it comes, get on the hips or elbows, ignore waving at the stick fake, force to corner ) and play aggressive. The on ball defender must play as though she isn't worried if she gets beat as the BACKER is behind her backing her up. As seen in diagram ( C = BACKER ) the backer is a few yards behind simply backing her up, if she gets beat the backer is there to help and the on ball defender recovers asap. The backer is not to go for the double team. She is to be in constant communication with on the ball defender letting her know she has her back. The backer will be at the ready at all times in case the on ball defender is beat, she will have her stick up ready to knock down passes and get her stick in the passing lanes and obstruct the ball carriers vision. As seen in the diagram, adjacent off ball defenders will step up and lock off there check not allowing any easy passes. In a Backer Zone - the back side of the defense will be in a zone, as shown X1 and X2 are checking 3 players on the back side of the defense. As such it's very important we don't allow the ball to get towards the middle of the field and possibly end up on the back side where there is a 3 vs 2 for the offense. X1 and X2 will pick up cutters when and if they cut through the 8m, the goalie will also be active picking off any high loopy passes across the goal circle.