抄録
The purpose of this study was to re–examine the definitions of “offense” and “defense” within the confines of invasion games, and to present an appropriate view of both concepts.
Traditionally, ball games have “offense” and “defense” characteristics. Generally, “offense” is when a side possessing the ball attempts to score, whereas “defense” is when a side lacking ball possession attempts to prevent the opposition scoring.
However, in some instances, when sides are contesting the ball, a side may be considered as “attacking” even if it is not in possession, whereas a side may be considered as “defending” even if it is in possession.
Currently, no satisfactory research has yet been done for defining “offense” and “defense” in invasion games.
The present analysis clarified the following points:
1) “Offense” and “defense” in invasion games constitute a relationship of competitive opposition. Therefore, they should be considered from the viewpoint of competition between opponents.
2) Every invasion game is a competition for scoring the most points. In each game, ball carriers vie with opponents to transfer the ball to a destination, irrespective of whether they succeed. In addition, opponents vie with ball carriers to retrieve the ball, irrespective of success.
3) The relationship of the 2 sides involves attempts to transfer the ball through “offense”, running counter to preventive attempts through “defense”. In the latter case, the opposition is the side attempting to retrieve the ball through “offense”, whereas the other side is attempting to prevent this through “defense”.
Consequently, within invasion games, “offense” can be understood as one side attempting to transfer or retrieve the ball through a relationship with the opposition, whereas “defense” can be understood as the other side attempting to prevent transfer of the ball or retrieving the ball through a relationship with the opposition. Neither concept can be explained as merely possessing or not possessing the ball.
