play defense vs play defender

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Play defense' is used to refer to the action of defending in sports or games, while 'play defender' is used to describe a specific role or position in a team, such as a soccer defender. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 764 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in sports to refer to the action of defending against the opposing team.

"play defense"

This phrase is used in the context of sports or games when a team or player is focusing on defending their goal or position.

Examples:

The team needs to play defense to prevent the other team from scoring.
He is known for his ability to play defense in basketball.

Show examples from the web [+]

These newbies don't know how to play defense.
And if Kansas wasn't such a hard team, we would've never learned to play defense the way we did that game.
That does not mean, however, that we will sit back and play defense.
That does not mean, however, that we will sit back and play defense.
Well, let me tell you, if your husband understood how to play defense, had a better jump shot, and was about six foot nine, he'd be killin' 'em in the NBA right now.
Have you been telling the football team to play defense und be aggressive - be, be, be aggressive?
Get the team to play defense.
You got to play defense in this league.
You play defense, you have to tackle.
You need to know how to play defense.
Saracen and smash don't play defense.
If I get up there and play defense, hold my gloves in front of my face, it confirms their narrative.
I'm not going to play defense when I have what Klaus wants.
You learn about people when you make them play defense...
You and I will go in deep, and Ray will play defense to guard against the quarterback's sneak.
You're dating women, and when a woman is mad, You need to know how to play defense.
JUST GO STEP BY STEP AND PLAY DEFENSE.
You need a team who can strategize for your future and play defense too. It's heads-up ball playing with us.
If YOU defend one killer kick, then I'll play defense for three
They never pass the ball, they don't want to play defense, they take five steps on every layup to the hoop, and then they want to turn around and blame everything on the white man.

Alternatives:

defend
focus on defense
defensive play
defensive strategy
defensive tactics

This phrase is correct and is used to describe a specific role or position in a team, such as a soccer defender.

"play defender"

This phrase is used to refer to a player who is assigned the role of defending in a team sport, such as soccer or basketball.

Examples:

He is a strong play defender in the team.
The coach decided to play him as a defender in the next game.

Show examples from the web [+]

We believe that human rights defenders play an indispensable role in society.
...we would go across the street to Cicero's Pizzeria and play "Defender."
Another thing Burrell and I would do every day in the earlier days of the project when we were at Texaco Towers is before we were doing something healthy we would go across the street to Cicero's Pizzeria and play "Defender."
I sentence the ones they put in front of me and then some righteous public defender who's after my job plays the race card.
Remember, the defenders like to play up, so don't be afraid to send the ball way deep.
Mr. Stamphill, the public defender, will play upon your sympathies.
Some kid over at the public defender's office wants to play tv lawyer... and he throws the eighth amendment at us.
We in the Socialist group believe the state has a role to play as a facilitator and as a defender of the public interest.
We in the Socialist group believe the state has a role to play as a facilitator and as a defender of the public interest.
Those of us who are UN defenders - which means most Members of this House and certainly myself - may rightly praise the UN for the role it plays, but should also ponder the point that he made.
We Social Democrats still believe that the state has a role to play in the economy as a facilitator, as a regulator and as a defender of the public interest.

Alternatives:

defensive player
defensive specialist
defensive position
defensive role
defensive player

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

play defense vs play defender

"play defense"

"play defender"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text