committing them to one direction too early. Maintain a controlled backpedal as they approach, keeping your body balanced and ready to react. Once the ball carrier chooses a direction, drop-step, pivot, and run with them, maintaining good position between the attacker and the goal. Then you can apply goal line extended rules your coach or team may have.
- Stay neutral — don’t give away one direction too early.
- Controlled backpedal — maintain space while staying balanced and ready to react.
- Make them choose — be patient and force the offensive player to declare a direction first.
- Drop-step & pivot — once they commit, open your hips efficiently to run with them.
- Match their path — stay connected as they work toward goal line extended.
- Don’t overcommit — good players will recognize your leverage and quickly change direction.
- Stay balanced — avoid crossing your feet or leaning heavily to one side.
- React, then run — trust your footwork instead of guessing which direction they will go.