Defense (sports) facts for kids
In many team sports, defense is all about stopping the other team from scoring. It's the job of certain players to protect their own goal or basket. Defense also includes the smart tactics a team uses to keep opponents from getting points.
A defense player or defender is a player whose main job is to stop the other team. They work hard to block shots, tackle opponents, or guard players. Defenders also help protect their team's goalkeeper or goaltender. You'll see defense players in sports like association football (soccer), ice hockey, and water polo.
Contents
What is Defense in Sports?
Defense is a super important part of almost every team sport. Imagine a game where no one tried to stop the other team from scoring! It would be a very high-scoring but perhaps less exciting game. The goal of defense is to prevent the opponent from reaching their scoring area. This could be a goal, a basket, or an end zone.
Why is Defense Important?
Good defense can win games, even if your team doesn't score many points. It makes it harder for the other team to play their best. Strong defense can also make the other team frustrated. This can lead to them making mistakes.
Key Roles of Defenders
Defenders have many important jobs during a game. They need to be fast, strong, and smart. Here are some of their main tasks:
- Guarding Opponents: Defenders often stick close to the other team's best players. This makes it hard for them to get the ball or shoot.
- Blocking Shots: In sports like basketball or hockey, defenders try to get in the way of shots. This stops the ball or puck from reaching the goal.
- Tackling or Intercepting: In sports like football or soccer, defenders might tackle an opponent to get the ball back. They might also intercept passes.
- Protecting the Goal: Defenders form a shield in front of their own goal or basket. They make it tough for opponents to get close enough to score easily.
- Communicating: Good defenders talk to each other constantly. They warn teammates about danger and help everyone stay in position.
Defense in Different Sports
Defense looks a bit different depending on the sport. But the main idea is always the same: stop the other team!
American Football Defense
In American football, the defense is a special group of 11 players. Their job is to stop the other team from moving the ball down the field. They try to prevent them from scoring a touchdown or a field goal.
How American Football Defense Works
The defense in American football tries to tackle the ball carrier. They also try to sack the quarterback (tackle him before he can throw the ball). Sometimes, they try to intercept passes. If the defense stops the other team three times, they usually have to kick the ball away. This gives the ball back to the defending team.
Basketball Defense
In basketball, defense means preventing the other team from shooting or driving to the basket. Players use their bodies to block paths and contest shots. They try to steal the ball or force bad passes.
Types of Basketball Defense
- Man-to-Man Defense: Each defender guards one specific opponent. They follow that player wherever they go on the court.
- Zone Defense: Each defender guards a specific area of the court. If an opponent enters their area, they become that defender's responsibility.
Ice Hockey Defense
In ice hockey, two defensemen usually play on the ice at all times. Their main job is to protect their own net. They try to stop the other team from shooting the puck. They also help clear the puck out of their defensive zone.
Ice Hockey Defensive Tactics
Defensemen in hockey often block shots with their bodies. They also use their sticks to poke the puck away from opponents. They try to keep opponents from getting too close to their goaltender.
Images for kids
-
Pau Gasol (yellow, outstretched arms) plays defense in a basketball game by protecting the basket as his opponent Vince Carter (blue, holding ball) attempts to score with a layup
