In this conference clip, Lehigh University Head Coach Matt Francis breaks down a key defensive priority: winning the interior, even when there’s no assigned slide responsibility.
Key takeaways include:
- A focus on fixing breakdowns that happen in tight
- The importance of communication so interior defenders always know where the ball is
- Positioning between your man and the ball to disrupt passing lanes
- Playing with active body language
- How keeping your stick in lanes can deter feeds, disrupt skips, and create turnover opportunities
- The value of immediate, physical reactions
- A mindset shift toward initiating contact and setting the tone
Francis emphasizes that strong interior defense is about awareness, communication, and physical intent. Even without slide responsibility, defenders must stay engaged, protect the middle, and make offense uncomfortable.
