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Backer Zone Defense in Women’s Lacrosse: A Guide for New Coaches
The Backer Zone Defense in women’s lacrosse combines structured zone coverage with a floating backer who supports defenders near the 8-meter arc, focusing solely on the ball and providing critical help in high-pressure situations. This strategy emphasizes communication, forcing attackers into controlled areas, and effectively managing cutters and weak-side threats.
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Understanding Zone Defense in Women’s Lacrosse
Zone defense in women’s lacrosse is a strategy where defenders cover specific areas of the field, focusing on clogging high-risk scoring zones, such as the 8-meter arc, while following key rules like avoiding shooting space violations and the three-second rule. This approach is effective against strong offensive players but requires strong communication and quick rotation to prevent gaps and potential scoring opportunities.