Riding

Principles:

• When pursuing an opponent in possession of the ball, take a good angle up the field.  Whenever possible, use the sideline as an “extra man” by forcing your opponent out of bounds.
• Anticipation, hustle, and persistence can make up for lack of speed.
• Be under control, particularly as you approach an opponent in the open field.  Do not over commit and get beat.
• When riding the goalie or a long stick defenseman, be aware of checking any portion of the butt end of the stick that may be exposed.  It’s effective in the open field to check a defenseman’s stick up rather than down.
• Take away the sideline route and encourage clearing teams to pass or run the ball toward the middle of the field.
• Play in zones off the ball; see the ball and any potential clearers in your area.  Keep your stick up.  Stay within checking range of anyone in your zone, but avoid positioning yourself directly next to an opponent.  Defend an area, not just one man.
• Make the clearing team work.  Force them to complete a number of passes in their defensive half of the field.  Turn the ball back, away from the midline, whenever possible.  Force the clearing team to run or pass across the field rather than up the field.
• Effective communication is necessary to allow an attackman to ride over the midfield line without going offsides.  A midfielder must alert the attackman that he is back.
• After regaining possession of the ball, the riders must make a quick transition back to offense.  Look to shoot or to feed a teammate on the crease.  Turnovers farther up field can lead to fast breaks. Be alert and let the ball do the work.
• Not every riding attempt will be successful. Know when to get back in on defense and concede the clear.

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