Definition
Definition
An effective force is when a defender is fully settled into their correct marking position — able to react to the movements of the disc and aware of what is developing downfield. Until the force is effective, the mark is not yet doing its defensive job.
In Context
In Context
The force only starts working when it is effective. A defender who is still scrambling to get into position, or who is getting moved around by the thrower's pivots, is not applying an effective force — meaning the offence has more of the field available than they should.
Downfield defenders should read whether the mark is effective before committing to their positioning. If the force isn't set, the whole defensive structure is compromised.