Backer Zone Defense
Zone Defense Concept
The Backer Zone is one of the best ways to let your long poles pressure the ball without putting them on an island. It’s built to support aggressive defense, while always having a help defender in position. You’re not gambling. You’re backing each other up.
The only consistent way to beat this is with sharp, fast ball movement, and most teams, especially at the youth and high school level, aren’t great at that when they rely on one primary dodger. If your opponent can’t swing the ball quickly or move it with purpose, this zone is going to frustrate them.
Another bonus: This system flows easily from 6v6 zone to man-down and even 2-man down without major changes. Your poles’ responsibilities stay the same, which makes it easier for everyone to stay organized.
Key Points of the Backer Zone
Four long poles split the field into four quadrants.
Each one owns their area. Pressure the ball when it’s in your zone, then pass it off when it moves.One short stick locks off the crease.
No free cuts, no easy feeds. This player stays glued to the crease to take away the inside.The other short stick is your backer.
This is the key. They float behind the ball, always ready to help if a dodge happens. Think of them like a safety net.It’s tough to beat off the dodge.
If a dodger goes one-on-one, your on-ball long pole can be aggressive, knowing the backer is right behind them to slide. That confidence changes everything.The pressure works because there’s trust.
Long poles step out hard. They know they’re not alone. That backer support means you don’t have to play soft or worry about getting burned.
This defense isn’t flashy, but it’s incredibly effective, especially against teams that rely on one or two guys to make everything happen. You take away the iso, you force them to play real team offense… and most of them just won’t.
If you’re coaching younger players or still building defensive communication, the Backer Zone is a great system to start with. It teaches spacing, support, and team-first defense, and it adapts easily as players grow into more advanced systems.
Let your poles play with confidence. Give your short sticks clear jobs. Keep the ball in front. The Backer Zone gives you a solid foundation to do all of that, and it’s easier to teach than it looks.
