Anybody want to give tips on how to be a better defender

[laxindefender]

This is my fiist year and i have pretty good equipment but i need some tips on how to be a good defender? Got any?

[Longest]

Search the board. There are plenty of threads like this already.

Dan

[D4lax]

if you're new you should use the search box but this is a pretty broad topic

[blckout20]

Communication is vital to a strong defense. Having three talented defenders is good, but having three talented defenders that work great as a team and communicate is unbeliavable.

Also, don't throw wreckless checks. Stick to poking a lot. The occasional slap, wrap, and lift check are also nice but don't go crazy on slap checks like a lot of defenders do.

Some other things to remember is keep your head on a swivel, watch the ball and your man but don't get caught only watching one or the other. Keep your stick up, try and keep your stick in the passing lane to intercept or knock down passes. Ground balls are essential, defenders really don't have too many stats that point out how effective they are but a defender that has a high number of ground balls tends to stick out. Take the body when you have to, don't go looking for hits you'll know when to throw a body check. You'll see players out just running around trying 2 take guys out and they get 2 be real easy to beat but don't be afraid to hit either. When you have the ball, lead the attack. You need to have good stick skills to do this but an offensive defender is a huge threat. If you can develop a powerful shot with the long pole you can be a threat to score and when you run up field you will draw several defenders and can usually find an attackman open on the crease or atleast in scoring postion. And eventually they will stay with their men and leave you with a nice shot. In winter league I had 5 goals and 10 assists just by doing this so trust me it works.