Don't rush an attacker after they have caught the ball. If he/she is receiving a rather long pass and you are sure you can reach him/her/her before the ball, go after him/her to disrupt the catch.
As a pass is made to the opponent you are playing, move out to cover him/her as the ball is moving to him/her, so that you are in position as they catch it. Don't wait until they have caught the ball, and then move out on him/her.
Never take a step into an opponent while playing him/her on defense.
Once the opponent has the ball, don't give them much chance to look over the field, make him/her worry about you. Don't force or rush him/her however. There is a big difference between worrying an opponent and forcing or rushing him/her. Make the attack make the first move.
When your opponent hasn't got the ball, always play slightly to the ball side of him/her, so that you gain a step as they cuts toward the ball. If they cut away from the ball, the pass must go over your head which leaves you in a good position to intercept or check.
When your opponent hasn't got the ball, stand sideways to the opponent and ball. You must use split vision watching both opponent and ball.
There must be plenty of talk on defense, this is important. The following are the most important examples: a) The defender on each side of the ball must let the defender on the ball know if they are-backed up. b) If a defender leaves to back up they must let the entire defense know they are leaving, so that they may shift. c) The defender playing the ball must holler, "I've got-the ball". d) If an opponent cuts, the defender playing him/her should holler "attack cutting" so that they alert the rest of the defense for a possible switch. e) If a switch is necessary, both should call "SWITCH".
If a defender leaves to back up on a dodge, the whole defense slides, leaving the opponent farthest from the ball open.
Only in extreme cases, should the defenders on the crease leave to back up. Example: To stop a play that would end up in a score.
Never cross your feet while playing an opponent unless you are forced to run to keep up with him/her.
Never throw a ball just to get rid of it.
Always scoop a loose ball. Never draw it. If there is a crowd, go through and either kick it or scoop it up.
When you check, make your check short and hard. Never raise your stick high to check.
If an opponent dodges you, keep after him/her. You should catch him/her as your backer comes in from the front.
Never pass a ball across in front of your goal.
If you are after a loose ball, but your opponent is ahead of you, press him/her hard if you cannot come up with the ball, but don't give him/her the opportunity to go around you.
After the opponent you are playing throws a ball, step back two steps quickly and be ready for a cut.
