When approaching a player receiving the ball, our goal is to apply pressure before they are fully comfortable with the catch. Close space quickly and get on their hands early, then maintain controlled pressure to disrupt their ability to move the ball. We want to turn a routine catch into a difficult catch and prevent an easy pass, shot, or next action.
- Arrive early — close space while the ball is in the air.
- Pressure the catch — make them catch through discomfort and pressure.
- Get on their hands — use controlled stick pressure to disrupt their stick.
- Maintain pressure — don’t allow them to catch, relax, and survey the field.
- Take away the next play — make the next pass or shot difficult.
- Stay disciplined — pressure their hands without lunging or losing body position.
- Force rushed decisions — make the offense play faster than they want to.