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Mike Howley Defense Tip: Defending the
Split Dodge
August 23, 2003
The split dodge is ther toughest
for a long pole to defend
I think one of the hardest moves to defend with a long
pole is a split dodge. The split dodge usually works even
if the defender knows it's coming. An offensive player
that can split dodge from "right to left" and
"left to right" is going to be a lot more dangerous
on the field than a player who is going to split only
for his strong hand.
The first thing you need to do when you are trying
to defend a split dodge is to maintain a solid athletic
stance. Feet should be a little wider than shoulder
width apart. Bend your knees. Stand on the balls of
your feet. Head up.
Once you are in an athletic stance, you must have your
stick directly out in front of your body. Maintaining
a six-foot cushion is very important regardless of what
type of dodge your opponent attempts. Most defensemen
have a bad habit of holding their stick at their waists.
If you have your stick along your waist, your opponent
can get into your body.
Make sure you keep your stick out front, it forces
your opponent to make his move at six feet away. Once
he starts his move, take notice as to which hand he
starts with. If he starts off with the ball in right
hand, you know he is going to split to his left. If
he starts the dodge going left, he is going to split
back to his right.
Don't over play his initial hand and lunge. If your
opponent starts his dodge righty, sit and wait for him
to split back to his left. Once he does, then you will
be in perfect position. Don't get me wrong, play his
initial hand but play it softly and wait for him to
split the other way.
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