The first defender is the player marking the person with the ball. In other words, it's the defender who is closest to the ball. The number one priority of the first defender is to slow the attacking player down in order to get support behind the ball. Once the support is in place, then the next priority is to stop the attacker from moving or "stealing space". This means, you want to make it more difficult for them to keep going forward towards your goal. Once the player has been slowed down, and prevented from continuing forward, now it is time to win the ball.

If the first defender does their job properly and is patient, the attacking player will almost always either lose the ball or pass it away. If necessary, the defender can tackle the ball away. However, this is a last option.

The whole key to being a successful first defender is to be very patient. The more communication that comes from behind the first defender, the more successful the first defender will be. Constant reinforcement of being patient and not stabbing will result in a first defender becoming more successful and will allow the team to be more successful.

Defending objectives:
• Stance
• Stay on your feet. No Fouls
• Channel attacker to one side. Make play predictable for your supporting defenders.

Preparation to tackle:
• Contain and control. Don’t rush in or allow attacker to beat you. Stay Goal Side!
• Delay attacker if possible.
• Direct attacker to covering teammates, sideline or end line.

Decision to tackle:
• Within one step of reaching the ball.
• Tackle the instant the attacker plays the ball
• When you have support or when attacker is against a sideline.
• When the attacker misplays the ball.

Types of Tackles:
• Block tackle
• Poke Tackle