The job of a defender in a man-to-man defence is to prevent his player from getting the disc. This is made easier by the marker, who is assumed to only allow throws to one side of the field.

How the defender should position themselves depends on who they are marking and where the receivers are standing. The defender should always attempt to be between his receiver and the disc, since the disc will have to go through, around or over him to get to the receiver.

Marking handlers

Generally the best spot to set up is about 3-4m in front of the receiver, slightly towards the open side. The defender is relying on the marker to stop any throws on the break side, so he allows a small amount of leeway on that side. It is much more important to make sure the receiver does not get free on the open side. The receiver will usually run at the defender, fake to throw the defender off, and then run hard in a direction. To avoid the receiver getting free, the defender needs to be able to stay in front of the receiver, usually by running backwards so that he can see the receiver. As soon as the defender has to turn around it is much easier for the receiver to get free.

In brief:

• Face the receiver
• Try and maintain the distance between you and the receiver as the receiver runs at you
• Avoid turning around
• If the receiver fakes a direction change, follow slightly, but do not commit until you are sure
• You can let the defender get a little further in front on the break side than the open side, as the marker shouldn’t be letting the thrower throw that side

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Marking deep players

Marking deep players is slightly different. To mark the deepest player, the defender should usually stand just behind the receiver, and on the open side. This is so that if the thrower hucks long, the defender is in a better position to get the disc, as he is further back. Obviously, it allows the receiver to make easier cuts in for the disc, but this is much better than having a goal scored. Alternatively, if you are confident about your relative foot speed, you might mark them beside and to the break side, this allows you to see the whole field of play.

Disc in the air

Once the disc is called up, the defenders should glance around to see where the disc is. It is possible that they could make a play on it. This is more important if the call is “Up long”, as conceivably quite a few players will have a play on the disc. The defenders need as much time as possible to have a chance to establish good position early.

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