Regy Thorpe of the Rochester Knighthawks, shares his defensive expertise with the fans.

D E F E N S E

1) Position Of Your Stance

Your feet should be shoulder width apart. You should be on the balls of your feet and never get caught flat footed. Watch the opponents waist. Do not get in the habit of watching someone's stick because you will end up falling for their stick fakes. Concentrate on looking at their waist. Be within 3 - 5 yards of your opponent if he has the ball. If your opponent is primarily a feeder then your stick should be right on their gloves not allowing them to stand there and feed. Being 3 - 5 yards away from your opponent will not allow the player to get a full speed run at you when he goes to make his move on you. When your opponent makes his move make contact and try to keep equal pressure on him and do not get over extended. Push him out with your stick or body. Make him go to his weak hand. If he stills get by you, then try to keep a stick on his gloves which could help in altering his pass or shot. Do not get in the habit of chasing a players stick. You do not have to take the ball away every time your opponent gets it.

2) Defense Off Ball

If the player you are playing does not have the ball then you should be in a position to help/slide if your teammate gets beat. You should always see your man and also the person with the ball. This is known as keeping your head on a swivel. Talk to your teammate and let them know that if they get beat your going to be the first one to slide. Once the initial slide has taken place, the second, third, and even fourth slide can be the most important slide especially if you are playing a team that can really move the ball. Sometimes a player will be in limbo whether to slide or not. Do not get caught by only sliding halfway. If you are the slide then do not hesistate. Slide with your stick first and then follow through with your body.

3) Communication On Defense

This is the most important part of defense. You could be the best defender but if your teammates are not communicating with you then you could get easily beat whether it is a pick or just a simple switch. Talk to one another and make sure everyone on your line knows who is sliding and when to switch. One player can not be successful on defense alone. The team needs to make a commitment to defense.

4) Know Your Opponent

This is an extra step that will really help improve your overall defense. Try and find out who you will be covering in an up and coming game. It might be two or three different players. You should ask your teammates and/or watch films on the player(s) you will be covering. Get to know what their favorite moves are and with what hand are they more dominant. This will help you prepare for them properly. You can not cover each person the same.

5) Conditioning And Training For Defense

This is an extra step to really help your defense. You should be on some type of weight training program to give you a physical edge against your opponent. Your coach or trainer should be able to find a program that fits you. Jump rope is also an excellent way to improve your quickness in your feet. Practice as much as you can and always try to become a better offensive player. There is nothing more dangerous then a defensive player who can also run the floor and create some good offensive opportunity for his team.