Inside the Circle Team Defense

In this course, Coach Marissa shares her proven defensive strategies for controlling the most critical area of the field—inside the circle. You’ll learn how to develop a unified defensive system built on tight marking, smart positioning, and disciplined communication that keeps your opponents off the scoreboard.

Coach Marissa breaks down key concepts like numbers-up and numbers-down situations, baseline defense, transition play, and the “wheel” coverage system that allows your defense to stay organized even when outnumbered. She also dives deep into defensive communication, goalie involvement, and player terminology to create a common language your team can rely on under pressure.

From in-depth breakdowns to practical drills—including her popular “Black Bear Drill” from the University of Maine—this session gives you ready-to-use tools for practice and game situations. You’ll walk away with a complete defensive philosophy that helps your team gain the advantage where it matters most: inside the circle.