When marking an opponent, what is the recommended practice to limit their escape?

• A. Look at the opponent rather than the thrower.
• B. Look at the thrower to anticipate the throw.
• C. Look at the ground to avoid distraction.
• D. Look at the sidelines for calls.

Answer: (A)

Marking effectively means using your eyes and body to close off escape routes for the thrower. The goal is to read the movement of the person you’re guarding and stay between them and their best passing options. By watching the opponent’s body cues—hips, feet, and torso—you can mirror their pivots, anticipate direction changes, and cut off lanes they might use to break free. This tighter read on movement makes it harder for them to shake the mark or reset a throw, increasing pressure during the stall. Looking at the thrower to anticipate the throw can pull you into chasing the disc path rather than responding to the actual movement of their body, which can give them room to fake and escape. Focusing on the ground or the sidelines doesn’t help you contest their options, since your primary job is to hamper their ability to move into open space.