Definition

1. Noun:
   • The team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring: In sports, the "defending team" is the side whose primary objective is to stop the opposing team from scoring points or goals. This term is used in games with clear offensive and defensive phases, such as football (soccer), American football, basketball, and hockey.

Usage

• The term is used to specify which team is currently in a defensive role during a particular moment of play.
• It is often used in commentary, analysis, and descriptions of game strategy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The defending team formed a solid wall to block the free kick.
  • After scoring, our team immediately switched roles and became the defending team.
  • The coach praised the defending team for their excellent coordination.

Advanced Usage

• "The defending team" vs. "Defense": While "defense" can refer to the players or the strategic concept, "the defending team" specifically identifies the entire team unit currently tasked with preventing a score.
  • The defending team held its position, but the defense was eventually broken by a clever pass.

Variants and Related Words

• Defense (noun): The action or role of preventing the other team from scoring; can also refer to the players who primarily perform this role.
  • Their defense is one of the strongest in the league.
• Defender (noun): An individual player whose main duty is to stop the opposing team's attackers.
  • The central defender made a crucial tackle.

Synonyms

• Defensive side: A more formal synonym for the team currently playing defense.
• The defense: A common, shorter way to refer to the defending team, though it can be ambiguous.

Related Phrases

• To be on defense: To be in the role of the defending team.
  • We will be on defense for the first quarter of the game.
• To win/lose possession: A key event that often causes teams to switch between being the attacking and the defending team.
  • After losing possession, they quickly organized as the defending team.

Noun

1. (sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring
   • his teams are always good on defense