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A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for defending a specific player from the opposing team. Example: In basketball, a defender stays with their assigned player as they move around the court.

Players cover specific areas of the playing field or court rather than guarding individual opponents. Example: In football (soccer), a team might use a 4-4-2 zone to protect their half of the field.

A defensive tactic where two players converge and apply pressure to the ball-handler once they cross the half-court line. Example: In basketball, trapping the opposing point guard can lead to a turnover.

A defensive football strategy with two safeties covering the deep halves of the field. Example: Prevents deep passes but can be vulnerable to short passes and run plays.

Defenders reposition based on the tendencies of the offense. Example: In baseball, infielders may shift to one side for a hitter with a tendency to hit in that direction.

A strategy used to stop long scoring plays against the defensive team, often employed at the end of games. Example: In football, teams may drop extra defensive backs into coverage to defend against deep passes.

A football strategy where additional players rush the quarterback to force a hurried decision. Example: A linebacker might join the defensive linemen to overload the offensive line and sack the quarterback.

Applying direct pressure to the opposition all over the field to regain possession. Example: In soccer, a team might press high up the pitch immediately after losing the ball.

A variation of man-to-man defense where off-ball defenders position themselves inside an imaginary line to protect the paint area. Example: Used in basketball to force opponents into taking lower percentage shots from outside.

A zone defense alignment featuring one player at the top, three players in the middle, and one player at the bottom, usually near the basket. Example: In basketball, this can create opportunities for steals and trapping.

A defensive approach where a player aims to legally collide with an opponent to disrupt their play. Example: In football (soccer), a defender may use their body to block or impede the progress of a dribbling attacker.

A defensive formation shaped like an umbrella used primarily in hockey to prevent scoring opportunities from the perimeter. Example: During a power play, defenders align in an umbrella shape to block shots and passing lanes.

A defensive tactic where a non-engaged defender adds support against the offense, usually in puck or ball sports. Example: In hockey, a defenseman might join the engagement between an attacker and a forward to regain control of the puck.

The primary goal is to contain the offense, preventing them from advancing the ball downfield. Example: In hockey, players might focus on forcing attackers to the outside areas of the rink.

One defender baits the offensive player while the other prepares to make a play. Example: In basketball, a player may appear to be open, but as they receive the ball, another defender quickly closes in for a steal or block.

A defender backs off a non-threatening player to provide additional help elsewhere. Example: In basketball, if a defender is guarding a poor shooter, they may slough off to double-team a more dangerous offensive player.

Two defenders temporarily combine to guard a single offensive player. Example: In basketball, a player might be double-teamed when they have a significant scoring threat or ability.

A high-pressure defensive style where defenders guard the offensive team across the full length of the court. Example: In basketball, a team may apply full-court press after a scored basket to disrupt the opposing team's offense.

A defensive soccer tactic where defenders move upfield in unison to catch attackers offside. Example: Soccer defenders timing their forward motion to catch an opposing striker offside.

A technique in defense where players focus on controlling specific gaps or lanes through which the offense could advance. Example: In American football, linemen and linebackers are each responsible for a gap in the line to prevent running plays.

A hybrid defense with four players in a zone (box shape) and one playing man-to-man. Example: Used in basketball to neutralize a particularly strong opponent while still protecting the zone.

Defenders switch assignments to better respond to offensive plays. Example: In basketball, two defenders may switch players if their offensive assignments perform a pick and roll.

Defensive backs make contact to disrupt the timing of receivers then follow them in man coverage. Example: In football, a cornerback might bump a receiver at the line then stick to them down the field to prevent an easy catch.