In sports, particularly in basketball and soccer, a "Guard" refers to a player primarily responsible for defensive duties. Their main objective is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by closely marking their assigned opponents, intercepting passes, and contesting shots. Guards are typically agile and quick, allowing them to react swiftly to offensive plays. In basketball, guards often play a crucial role in both defense and offense. They are usually positioned near the perimeter and are skilled at stealing the ball and initiating fast breaks. In soccer, defensive guards, or defenders, work to block attacks and support the goalkeeper in maintaining a strong defense.