This is an introduction to defense against cutters in a vertical stack. The techniques mentioned here apply to any scenario where the defense marks up against the offense. That means that every player on defense picks one player on the offense and plays defense only against that player.
Once the offense sets up a vertical stack, a member of the defense will apply a force to the handler with the disc. In this case, it is a backhand force.
Again, the important assumption about the mark is that there will be no throws completed to the break side (the area between the arrows)
Knowing that there will be no throws made to the break side, the rest of the defense can then set up on the force side of the player they are defending, leaving about 2-3 steps between them.
The defenders should try to keep these 2-3 steps in between them throughout play.
These steps give the defender a small cushion to react to the cutters movements and stay on the cutters heels.
This makes any throw considerably more difficult for the handler, leaving only a small window to complete the throw.
Now lets assume defensive player 3 has a distinct speed or height advantage. That player may choose to mark up a little bit "under" the player they are guarding. This is because whatever advantage that player may possess will allow them to catch up to a deep throw that stays in the air for a long time.
This also pushes Cutter 3 deep because the cutter will see a wide open field for a deep cut. Chances are that the cutter will take the easy deep cut rather than try to fake out the defender while making an "in" cut.
Now lets assume that Defender 4 has a distinct speed or height disadvantage. Defender 4 will play a bit behind Cutter 4. This makes any deep cuts where the offense can gain a lot of yards much more difficult because Defender 4 is already a few steps ahead of the cutter. However, this does make the throw to an in cut very easy for the handler.
If a pass is completed, the defender must hurry to put the correct force on the current handler in order to stop any throws from going to the break side
The reason we choose to force players under when we are at a disadvantage is because it gives up the least amount of yards and makes the offense throw more passes. No matter how good an offense is, if more throws need to be made, there is a higher chance that a mistake will be made that will lead to a turn.