2 Good Fundamentals for Defense

Here are some rules from the 11th edition to set the stage:

Fouls (II.E): It is the responsibility of all players to avoid contact in every way possible.

Contact resulting from adjacent opposing players simultaneously vying for the same unoccupied position, is not in itself a foul.

1. When the disc is in the air a player may not move in a manner solely to prevent an opponent from taking an unoccupied path to the disc and any resulting non-incidental contact is a foul on the blocking player which is treated like a receiving foul (XVI.H.3.b).

2. A player may not take a position that is unavoidable by a moving opponent when time, distance, and line of sight are considered. Non-incidental contact resulting from taking such a position is a foul on the blocking player.

Reckless disregard for the safety of fellow players or other dangerously aggressive behavior (such as significantly colliding into a stationary opponent), regardless of whether or when the disc arrives or when contact occurs is considered dangerous play and is treated as a foul. This rule is not superseded by any other rule.

Dictate where you man goes. If your man wants to make a cut, he should have only one option, which is to cut into the open space that the defender is allowing him. If you are a couple of steps off of the cutter, he can go wherever he wants. However, if you are nearly touching them, constantly positioning for position right behind him, he can only cut one way, and that is in. By lining up on one side of the man, you are taking away a cut he could do, or half of his options.

Force the player to do the opposite thing they want. After a couple of points, you will know what kind of player each man is on the other team. If you are guarding the guy throwing deep bombs to the deep receivers, make him go score by forcing him to cut deep (position yourself in front of him.) If you are guarding the speedy/athletic guy who jumps over you, position yourself more behind him in order to force him to cut in. This isn't to say that you are giving the player the in cut. Your priorities should be

1. force him one way with your body
2. beat him to the disc on the way you are forcing him