This is the "quarterback" position of this defense and usually the smartest and/or bigger slower players should try to start in this position (where possible).  The golden rule for the low defender is never to get shot around on a screen shot ("keep everything in front of you") and also to be "as low as their lowest player," meaning they can't be "parked" by the crease if their check goes for an up-pick, for example.  In this particular scenario, if the high defender is successfully back-picked they should perform an inside roll and the low defender should switch, closing the gap and becoming the high defender and vice-versa.

The off-ball middle defender on the strong-side or high defender on the weak-side (“hot defender”) should also be “sluffed” over and ready to slide on any “flip” passes to the middle or pick and pops.  Some variations of this defense see the on-ball middle defender leave their check and double-team the ball carrier in an up-pick scenario.

The off-ball low defender has one responsibility at all times, which is to stand in the passing lane and/or lock off the off-ball crease player.

Generally speaking, all defenders should cross-check players that are in the middle, get on hands of any shoppers and compete for any 50/50 balls.

The theory is that the other team can settle for a north-south shot-on-the-run, with the threat of the shot being blocked or trail checked; flip the ball to a teammate with a slide coming, or continue carrying the ball behind the net. If the ball is passed or carried behind the net, all defenders should "tighten up."

As a defense, teams must be weary of the Phoenix and other set-plays against, which have notoriously been utilized to breakdown this defensive system.