1. “Backer” Defense
[How to use: click on “Slide Show” above. Next click on “From Beginning.” Finally use the "page up" and "page down" key on your keyboard.]

2. Backer Defense Pressure Defense—D dictates the tempo
Aggressive play with a team concept
Advantage—hard to simulate in practice; hard to prepare for
“Hybrid” defense: “man” on ball, “Backer” is the doubler on ball, 2 others play “next,” and the other 3 are playing zone

3. “Backer” position
Need to have more than 1 player able to play “backer”
Characteristics:
High lax/sports IQ
Loud, communicative—communication must be direct
Tactical risk taker—doesn’t just sit on the 8m and double
Can’t hesitate—shooting space would be the call

4. How the “Backer” D works
“Man”: Aggressive “man” on ball—check, be aggressive, force her to our right (her left) and to goal, into the backer.
Rule: Must force to our right (the ball’s left)—doesn’t matter whether she’s righty or lefty. Only exception—if the player’s wide.
“Backer”: Backer doubles when the ball’s 2 or 3 passes away. She must move when the ball’s in the air.
“Adjacents”: take away “next” (option #1). [May “bait” the throw=make it seem as if the player’s open.] (see slide)

5. Basics to “Backer” Defense
Ball, Backer, 2 Adjacents D D A A

6. What We Want to See A D A A D B A D D A D D A A

7. Zone Off Ball
Off ball: we have 4 players playing their 3 (on ball, backer, and 2 adjacents), so off ball, we have 3 playing their 4. They are playing zone.
Rule: When you’re 2 or more away , you play zone technique.
Positioning: Be aware of shooting space (next slide)
Rotate the D opposite the direction of the pass (see slide)

8. Zone in the “Backer” Defense
Zone-Shooting Space D D A A

9. Defending Cutters in the “Backer” Defense
When D goes with cutter, the rest rotate opposite A A

10. Defending Cutters in the “Backer” Defense (cont.)

11. Vs. Skip Pass—“Backer” Defense

12. Ball Behind—“Backer” Defense
Ball, Backer, 2 Adjacents B D D A A