1. UPHILL / DOWNHILL
Its like being a boxer. There is a time to throw a punch, and their is a time to protect. When your opponent is uphill, attack him. When your opponent is leaning downhill, back off and contain. Do not move uphill against a downhill. Do not stay downhill against an uphill. All movement forward backward, not side to side.
Hand closest to the mid line is up. Staggered stance so that you can contest shots while remaining an arms length away and not getting blown by.
3. FEET OUTSIDE OF FEET
The player must get his feet wider than the offensive players feet. Don't let him get that lead foot outside of yours. Keep it in between and contest with the chest.
COMMON MISTAKES
Here are the three most common closeout mistakes...
1. ALWAYS PLAYING UPHILL OR ALWAYS PLAYING DOWNHILL
You cant sit back and do nothing and you cant go up and do to much. You have got to be "in and out" like a boxer. Pick times to attack and times to contain.
2. FEET SQUARE TO OFFENSE
You cant contest the shot and its hard for you to move forwards and backwards. When you are square you get beat more often side to side.
3. GIVING UP THE FIRST STEP
Turning your hips and opening the gate, without attempting to take away the lead foot.
VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. Liam Flynn Individual Defense
2. McCormick Sliding vs Crossover
