Body Up

Players must be able to play aggressive, yet controlled on-ball defense in order to contain their opponent and dictate the path of the ball. To do this the defensive player must “Body Up”. To body up means to make legal, controlled contact with your opponent with either your knuckles or forearms in order to keep her between your shoulders and make her go where you want her to go.

Bodying up means sitting low, and having arms away from the body with elbows bent and locked so as not to push, punch, or foul when making contact. Feet are shoulder width apart. This stance allows you to stay balanced, yet able to shift from side to side quickly to stay with an opponent. You want to “bend and lock” your elbows to avoid pushing or punching “out” toward your opponent. You must soften your arms when contact is made and adjust your feet to regain positioning.

The stick is up at an angle to take away the passing lane. It is not positioned across the opponent or anywhere near her face or head. It is not across the waist either. Off ball, you must be positioned at a good angle to see the ball and your girl. Sometimes taking a step back will allow you to see both. Tag up with your opponent as she cuts or tries to veer away from you. When playing off ball defense in the 8 meter, body up ballside or topside to avoid the easy feed into the 8 meter. This positioning means “splitting” the opponent and the ball.

Bodying up is about making controlled contact to be able to contain an opponent in between your shoulders. It is “controlled contact” with knuckles and forearms, keeping elbows slightly bent. Once contact is made, defenders need to ensure the offensive player does not bounce off of them and draw a foul.