I also play forward just as you do. The finals are coming up soon and I would really appreciate it if you could give me few tips to playing forward and defense. Thanks for your time. Sarah, for me defense is always first. The best way to make sure your player doesn't score is to make it hard for her to get the ball.
Footwork is very important.
Make sure you keep yourself in good position at all times so that you can see both the ball and your player. Offensively, you have to take what the defense gives you. No matter how good a defender, you can't defend two sides. Be patient and let the game come to you. Always go to the boards, that may get you a few easy put-backs.