Defence Part 1

Warm up and throwing in pairs.

Explanation of the aims of the session and the structure that it will take.

"When marking a player there are three key things to be aware of:

1. Where can they get the disc? If they are too deep, they have to run towards the disc. If they are stacked behind their team mates, they will have to get themselves into space.
2. What does your opponent like to do? The more you mark someone, the more you will notice their preferences. How often do they go long? Do they ever cut breakside? Do they only cut off one foot?
3. What can the thrower throw? Are they able to break or huck? Are they likely to throw a hammer or will they just throw soft on the open side?

Answering all 3 of these questions involves thinking. Thinking about what is happening, thinking about what you can do, thinking about WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. If, as a defender, you endevour to think about what is happening on the pitch, you will find yourself getting into better positions and thus getting more blocks."

Through out entire session players were encouraged to THINK about what was going to happen next.

Deep contest with a huck from one brick level and:

• offense starting at other brick mark and
• defense starting:
  1. 5 paces underneath.
  2. 10 paces underneath.
  3. 15 paces underneath.

Defender was able to make up the ground when starting 5 and 10 paces behind the attacker. Even at 15 paces some defenders made up the gap. This drill illustrated awareness of what the thrower can throw and thus how close you need to be if the cutter goes to far away from the disc.

Game situations:

• In a 3-4 or 2-5 offense, offense set up too deep, very shallow, too far on the break side, pushed over on the open side.
• Defenders came out to mark with direction from session leaders so as to show awareness of the above 3 key points.

Reaction at pull:

• Offense told to set up in one of the above situations and defense had to react while chasing their pull.
• Teams were encouraged to talk with each other both on and off the pitch to identify what was happening and what they could improve on.
• Poor positioning was pointed out and explained.

2-on-2 with switching:

• 2-on-2 cutters and defenders.
• Emphasis on 3 aspects of switching:
  1. Identify as early as possible if a switch can be made.
  2. Communicate the switch and identify the players involved.
  3. Cover the new cutter as quick as possible.

Games with tasks:

• Offensive errors didn't count and possesion was retained. Turn over only on a real block.
• Type 1: 3 defenders on each team were given a task of always standing underneath their player or always standing deep. This was to illustrate positioning so as to eliminate a threat. Also lead to switching and help defending on deep and under cuts.
• Type 2: 3 attackers on each team given a task of clogging deep, underneath, open or break. Defenders had to identify and react.
• Poor and good positiong was pointed out and explained.