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Cue The Comeback!
by Kirk Savage
Well...the answer to a situation like this (defending a handler in the lanes) is going to be dependant on a number of factors and variables that are unknown in this scenario (athletic ability, height, speed, etc.). However, in a general sense, if you have one of the main players on the opposing team drastically altering their game due to your defensive strategy then your defensive strategy is effective. Forcing a "main handler" to strike and cut downfield is a great situation for the defensive team. This means that the handler is not quarterbacking the offence, and they are potentially getting in the way of the primary lane cutters.
As such, I would not be concerned at all if the handler was in the lanes and has made a couple of lucky catches. Can they continue to do it for the rest of the game? Can the offence continue to convert at a high rate with secondary players running the show and making the big throws? I doubt it and odds are good that a comeback will be on in the second half.
As far as defender choice—I would always choose a taller more athletic defender on a strong handler. On our team we have had very good success with Andrew Lugsdin marking up against all-star handlers. His agility allows him to be able to stay with the short quick cuts and his size helps him to play underneath and "push the handler away from the disc."
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 |
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