Today's tip covers the FIRST DEFENDER.
When the other team has the ball, we all become defenders. The player on
our team who is closest to the opponent with the ball is the FIRST DEFENDER.
The first defender positions herself close to the attacker with her body
between the BALL and her GOAL. The first defender's MAIN job is to DELAY
the attacker with the ball to allow the rest of the team to form the defense
behind her. The first defender should RARELY attempt to win the ball
back
unless the attacker makes a mistake. The first defender should be
keeping
the attacker with the ball contained so they can not dribble or pass into
the space behind the first defender.
As a first defender, you will need to focus on the BALL. Watching the
attacker move her feet or head may cause you to commit early, and let the
attacker by you. Worse than that is looking away from the ball.
Since the first defender is focused on the ball, she is going to DEPEND on
her teammates to COMMUNICATE with her. When the defense is forming, let
the
first defender know "WEAK ON YOUR LEFT" or "SUPPORT BEHIND
YOU." ONLY IF
SHE HAS SUPPORT, SHOULD THE FIRST DEFENDER MAKE A CHALLENGE FOR THE BALL!!!!
We as a team tend to challenge too quickly when we are the first defender.
Remember: The most important part of the job is to SLOW DOWN the attacker,
and allow the rest of the team to get in a position to help.
Coach Rob
