Sagging Defence

Focus

Defensive Systems.

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Footwork & Agility, Defensive Moves, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

Instead of pressuring the passer, a strategy is to drop back and fill a hole in front of the next likely receiver. This forces the attacking team to use second/third wider options. This can be used at a centre pass, free pass, or throw-in. Good teams can also use a rolling sag, which involves dropping back in general play as soon as its clear an intercept isn't possible.

Players

7⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 3

Setup
Choose players as shown in diagram and assume starting position. Feeder [C] starts with the ball.
Step 1
Opposition [WA] makes a straight lead from the goal third, to receive near the transverse line.

[WD] starts just behind [WA] and runs behind them as they lead
Step 2
First time around (as a point of reference), start with [WD] pressuring the passer once [WA] receives, rather than sagging. [WA] must try to find [GA] - defended by [GD] - with a pass.

Stop and remark about the amount of space available for the [GA]
Step 3
Reset and restart, however this time [WD] sags. The instant they realise they have no hope of intercepting [WA], they initiate their sagging defence by looking behind to see the likely next target - [GA] in this instance, and quickly run back to fill the likely space [GA] will lead into

Need really fast feet to get back in time

Cover the most dangerous, central space as a priority
Step 4
Progression 1: Have more players on court, and start from the defensive third. All centre-court players practice sagging.

Remember, intercepting is still an option - don't give up and sag at every pass!
Step 5
Progression 2: Practice the sag from a throw-in and/or free pass situation.

The sag from these situations often becomes similar to double defence, as players have time to drop back directly in front of the likely primary target.