Your stick angle should complement your angle of approach and help take away the offensive player’s easiest next action. As you approach, identify which hand the opponent is playing with and position your stick toward that side. If they are looking to pass right-handed, get your stick up toward their stick head and into the passing lane, while still maintaining good body position and keeping them out of the middle.
- Identify their hands — recognize whether the opponent is playing righty or lefty.
- Stick to their strong side — position your stick toward the hand and stick head they are using.
- Get your stick up — take away vision and easy passing lanes.
- Disrupt the next pass — make the ball carrier pass around or away from your stick.
- Body takes away the middle — maintain your approach angle and protect the house.
- Stick takes away the pass — use your stick position to eliminate an additional option.
- Break down under control — don’t sacrifice balance or body position to reach with your stick.
- Move feet and stick together — adjust your stick angle as the ball carrier changes direction or hands.