Delay - Deny - Destroy - Develop  

Immediate chase – The moment possession is lost the nearest player(s) try to regain possession or apply pressure on the ball. Players giving immediate chase can also help to delay the attack 

by making recovery runs that deny the opponent the opportunity to play the ball quickly forward.

 

  Delay – The pressuring defender(s) forces the attacking team to slow down so that the defense may organize. While applying pressure the defender must be careful to not over-commit. If he is beaten easily the time for the team to organize is shortened.

Depth – This refers to the immediate organization of players behind the pressuring defender. While the ball is being pressured all other players should be recovering into defensive positions. The positions taken should support the pressuring defender in the event he is beaten. This is called providing cover.

   

  Balance – As the team concentrates their defense in the area of the ball, defenders away from the ball (opposite side of field) must position themselves to cover vital spaces (central areas) in order to prevent attackers from making penetrating runs into these spaces in which to receive the ball for an attempt on goal. All players who are on the opposite side must seek positions in which to provide balance to the defense.  

 

  Concentration – As players recover towards their own goal and organize their defense, the objective is to limit the time and space for the opponent by concentrating their defense in the area of the ball. Defenders also recover centrally towards their goal in order to limit the opponents ability to directly attack the goal.

 

  Control and Restraint – Players must be disciplined and play “under control” when challenging for the ball. Too often players make poorly timed or off-balanced attempts to win the ball. Players should restrain from tackling until they are confident they will win the ball.