DEFENSE

CLASSIFICATION:

Objective of Forechecking:
To disrupt the opponent’s breakout and prevent easy passes.

Focus:

• Closing off passes along the boards

• Defending running lanes

• Preventing all simple breakout options as much as possible

Starting Point:
Basic 2-1-2 setup (with two opponents positioned high)

Tasks:

1. Close passing lanes along the boards.

2. Prevent the opponent from cutting inside toward the middle.

3. Apply immediate pressure on the ball carrier.
   
   

Coaching Points:

1. Take the opponent’s stick side into account.

2. Priority: Block the path to the middle before covering the pass along the boards.

3. Choose the correct angle of approach when pressuring the ball.

Tasks:

• Secure the central area and cover potential diagonal passing lanes.

• Be ready to pressure the ball if it is switched to the weak side.

• Monitor open players in the half-space or slot.

• Support the center in closing the middle if needed.

Coaching Points:

• Maintain compactness with the center – avoid drifting too wide.

• Keep an eye on potential overlaps or weak-side breakthroughs.

• Adjust positioning based on the opponent’s play direction and support structure.

Tasks:

• Control the third-highest opposing player.

• Secure the central area of the field.

• Support in closing passing lanes.

Coaching Points:

• Communicate actively with defenders and the other winger.

• React flexibly to opponent movements.

• Depending on the variation:

• Apply pressure all the way to the boards, or

• Focus on maintaining spatial control.

Tasks:

• Apply pressure when the ball bypasses the first line (winger).

• Control the opponent in 1-on-1 situations.

• Prevent breakthroughs and dangerous advances on the ball side.

Coaching Points:

• React quickly and decisively.

• Block central breakthroughs – keep the opponent outside.

• Close down passing lanes proactively

Tasks:

• Act as the last man – control the deepest opposing player.

• Block passing lanes into dangerous central areas (e.g., slot, backdoor).

Coaching Points:

• Maintain constant communication with the rest of the team.

• Balance between pass coverage and man orientation, depending on the situation.

• Use staggered positioning when needed (e.g., in a W-shaped formation).

Two Opponents Up Top

• Standard: Switching responsibilities between the ball-side and weak-side winger along
  the central line.

• Challenge: Adjusting runs when opponents switch sides across the central axis.

Three Opponents Up Top – The Supreme Discipline

• Variant 1: Right winger takes over the central opponent.

  • Enables fast pressure and pressing options.

  • Potentially creates larger gaps on the weak side.

• Variant 2: Center takes over the central opponent.

  • Defenders stay compact and deeper.

  • More passive, but offers greater defensive stability.

Key Dependency:

• Strong communication and clear man orientation from the defenders.

Key Principles

• Ball-Side Winger:
  Quick retreat; can act defensively or offensively (e.g., press after a back pass).

• Weak-Side Winger:
  Often responsible for closing cross passes; frequently drops deep, even in front of the own goal.

• Center:
  Secures the middle or marks the direct opponent, depending on the chosen variation.

• Defenders:
  Immediate pressure within the zone; depending on team philosophy, may or may not switch opponents.

Flexible System Adaptation

• Adjust the system to be more active or passive depending on the opponent’s strength and your own game plan.

Possible Combinations:

• W-formation

• Varying ball-side winger roles

• Center-led pressing

Communication is Key:

• Especially important during role switches, in forechecking, and while tracking back.

Well-Practiced Lines:

• Crucial for smooth role transitions and effective spatial and opponent control.

General Recommendations:

• Start Simple: Use the basic 2-1-2 structure as a foundation.

• Emphasize Communication: Clear roles and constant verbal cues are essential for defensive stability and coordinated pressing.

• Train Situational Adjustments: Prepare the team to recognize and adapt to common in-game patterns (e.g., 2 or 3 opponents up high, back passes, side switches).

• Use Video Feedback: Analyze forechecking sequences, role execution, and transitions into zone defense with the team.

• Prioritize Fitness: Especially for defenders and the center, due to high running demands in an active 2-1-2.
  
  

Tactical Variations:

1. Center-Led Pressing: The center steps higher to engage early, creating a 2-1-2 that resembles a 1-2-2 in movement.

2. Passive 2-1-2: Maintain compact lines, focus on containment rather than pressure – especially against technically strong opponents.

3. W-Variation: Stagger defenders vertically to improve central zone coverage and counterbalance opponent overloads.

4. Rotating Wings: Ball-side winger switches roles mid-press depending on the opponent’s ball movement, increasing unpredictability.

5. POCKET Traps: Lure the opponent into the POCKET with a controlled gap, then collapse with coordinated pressure.