Defensive
Forcing (skills)
Poor: Just stands in front of their player, and attempts to block every throw. They buy every fake, even if this means letting a throw go down the break side.
Okay: This player stands in the right position (on the break side of the thrower) and uses their arms (and at times feet) to block the flight of the disc down that side. They aren’t very good at adjusting to the thrower’s pivots, choosing instead to stand rooted in one place.
Good: This player moves their feet to follow the thrower’s pivots. They keep themselves ready to react at a fast pivot at a split second’s notice. They are watching upfield out of the corner of their eye, so they can predict when a throw might be made. They focus on remaining balanced and not over-committing to a thrower’s movements – after all, it could well be a fake.
Great: Their feet move without them thinking about it. They are constantly adjusting to the body language and movements of their mark. Their arms are kept low and bent, ready to flick out immediately. They stay bouncing on their toes, keeping energy stored in their leg muscles for that all important side-step to block a break attempt. They know that their job is the most important on the pitch at that time, and step up to the mark accordingly, yet somehow manage to stay relaxed and in control. These players are naturals.
Forcing (awareness and tactics)
Poor: a poor player probably doesn’t even follow their opposite number, but if they do then they just stand somewhere near them, counting quietly. They have no idea what a force is, and which direction their team are doing it in.
Okay: they’re keen, but they don’t play particularly intelligently. They know which direction their team are forcing, but they try too hard to get point blocks and instead end up letting the disc through to the break side. They stall, but quietly, and they don’t shout “UP!” when the disc is released. At the end of the day they’re competing in an individual one-on-one battle, not as part of a cohesive defensive unit.
Good: being this type of player has more to do with good tactical and being a team player, rather than simply being the best forcer of the disc. Yes, they force well, but they know that they need to play their part in a defensive unit rather than going it alone. They will be aware which direction they are meant to be forcing, and are usually found asking “What’s the force?” before the disc gets pulled. They will always ignore the point block if it comes at a risk of being broken, and they always shout “UP!” when the disc is released.
Great: a great player has awesome personal skills, but also plays as part of the team. They know what direction they are meant to be forcing, but they also start to be more flexible depending on what is happening further up the field. If they hear a shout of “No huck!” they jump in front of the thrower to block a potential score. If they hear “No breaks!” they are aware that another player may have lost their man, and compensate to the break side accordingly. They always shout “Up!” when the disc is thrown, and continue to let teammates know the disc is in the air if they haven’t seen it.
Defensive marking (positioning)
Poor: This sort of player is the one who always runs over to the disc and starts stalling the thrower, even when the player with the disc is not the one they are marking. They have no idea who they are marking, and no idea what their job is at any given time.
Okay: They’re on the right player, and generally on the right side of the player – the force side. They know that they need to be in the space that the thrower wants to throw into, and they try hard to stay here. However they don’t tend to think about this until it’s too late.
Good: Always ready, these players are always thinking about defence. They get into the right position next to their mark and they’ll make sure they hold the distance. They also adjust to what position they’re marking – first in the stack and they’re standing in front of them (protecting again, last in the stack and they’re standing off them (protecting against the long throw for the score). They pre-empt their opposite’s numbers movements, making sure they stay one step ahead of the game.
Great: This player has heard of the wonders of ‘triangulation’ (making sure they can always see both the disc and the person they are marking). They work hard to stay in position despite the movements of their mark. If their player does get a pass coming their way, they decide in a split second whether to lay out for the disc and get a defensive block, or simply to make sure they get into position and initiate the stall count immediately. They not only react to the position their mark is playing, but also to where play is on the pitch. They come alive when their defending their endzone, and nothing is going to break their concentration until the point is scored or someone gets a defensive block.
Defensive marking (individual)
Poor: This player is content to follow their mark around the pitch. They’re probably hung over from the night before.
Okay: When the throw comes, this player will bat it out of the air as long as it comes right at them.
Good: A good player attacks the disc when it is coming towards their mark. If the offensive player fails to attack the disc then they’ll get a D. However they know that if they have no chance of getting to the disc it’s better to simply put a good force on. In this case they might actually slow as they approach the player, it’s all down to that player’s experience and judgement.
Great: If it’s on then a great defensive player will attempt a lay out D. They have superb judgement and know when to attempt it and when not to. They’ve practiced at a high level of intensity so they have no problem raising their game when it’s time to start winning big matches. It goes without saying that they have superb positioning (as mentioned elsewhere).
Poor, Okay, Goo...
