@preseasonpro: Let’s talk defensive rules! As a career defender myself… the misunderstanding of these rules can be such a pain! So let’s clear up what the rules ACTUALLY are. 😉 • The 3ft rule The 0.9m (3ft) distance is measured on the ground from the NEAREST part of the landing foot of the player with the ball, to the nearest part of the defending player's nearer foot. This includes if they do a heel pivot… the defender HAS TO ADJUST to be 3 feet from the NEAREST point. • What about when a goaler steps in? Following on from the previous rule… We measure our distance from where their foot WAS when it was grounded. If they choose to shorten the distance, defenders DON’T have to move. (Be careful here though! It’s tempting to step in and shorten, but you HAVE to stay 3 feet from the original point!) • Can a defender be inside 3ft? Yes, but only if you're not attempting to intercept, deflect or defend the ball or the player. You can be closer than 3ft provided there is no interference with the passing or shooting action. The moment you try to defend from inside that distance, it's obstruction. • Jumping to defend A defending player at the correct distance can jump upward or toward the player with the ball and land within 3ft, provided it doesn't interfere with the passing or shooting action. Once the ball is released, it is fair game for an intercept, but timing is everything if you’re jumping in for those! • Intimidation Waving a hand over or toward the face of a player is intimidation regardless of distance. (As well as yelling, sledging, stomping the feet or any behaviour construed as trying to obtain an unfair advantage!) A hand or arm moving toward the ball in a legitimate attempt to intercept is not intimidation, but these aren’t hard of fast rules, so each scenario may be different.

What else would you like to see us cover? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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Saturday 18 July 2026 07:15:01 GMT