Identify the Goals of the Defense

In order to run a successful defense, identify key goals of the Defensive Strategy one hopes to accomplish. For example; 
1. Limit the Opponent's High Percentage Shots
2. Neutralize CREASE LAY-UPS
3. SHRINK THE FIELD; that is, identify what areas one truly desires to defend well ; consider how narrow the field, or isolate a portion of the field; Use existing field markings to determine where you will visually shrink the field: The ARC's ( if girl markings are present), the pipes and the parallel lines that emerge from them or pack line below a 15 yard imaginary line above the crease.
4. To play great defense - develop fit personnel and fit those players into your scheme. Three components to good defensive midfield play- Talent, Speed and the Ability to Clear.