The basic idea is simple:

Keep the ball outside. Protect the middle. Make the offense work around the defense.

The “gate” represents the path the offense wants to use to get toward the middle of the field and the goal.

When a defender is playing the ball, their job is to position themselves between their man and the gate. The defender uses their body position and stick placement to prevent the ball carrier from crossing into that space.

Rules When Playing the Ball

1. Stand Between Your Man and the Gate

Your positioning should take away the inside path first.

Don't give the ball carrier an easy route through the gate. Force them to move away from the middle and toward the outside.

2. Use Body Position

Your body should help control where the ball carrier can go.

Stay in a position that prevents the ball from crossing the gate and keeps the attack moving away from the most dangerous area.

3. Keep a Topside Stick

Maintain your stick in a topside position while defending.

This helps discourage the offensive player from getting to the inside and keeps you prepared to contest passes or shots.

4. Slides Come From the Hole

The hole is the protected area in the middle of the defense.

When a slide is needed, defenders should come from the hole rather than abandoning the outside and creating another opening.

Rules Off the Ball

The same concept applies when you're not defending the ball.

1. Step Out to Play the Ball

When the ball comes to your player, step out and engage the ball carrier while maintaining your defensive positioning.

2. Play the Adjacent Players Strong

The defenders closest to the ball need to be ready to help.

Play the adjacent offensive players strongly while remaining prepared to slide if the ball carrier gets inside.

3. Protect the Hole

The other three defenders should maintain one foot in the hole.

This keeps the middle protected and allows the defense to react quickly when a dodge or slide occurs.

4. Slides Come From the Hole

Again, the slide originates from the protected middle.

The defense should remain connected rather than chasing offensive players toward the perimeter.

The Defensive Mindset

“Close the Gate” gives the defense a simple priority:

Don't let the offense walk through the middle.

When every defender understands that priority, the defense becomes more predictable and easier to coordinate.

The ball defender forces the ball outside. The adjacent defenders stay strong. The remaining defenders protect the hole.

That creates a connected defensive unit where slides are available without completely abandoning the middle.