守しゅ勢せい

noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

defensive; being on the defensive

Used for a defensive posture or stance, often in contrast to 攻勢 (offensive). Common in sports, military, and figurative contexts.

• 試し合あいの後こう半はん、チームは守しゅ勢せいに回まわった。

  In the second half of the match, the team was forced onto the defensive.

• 守しゅ勢せいのままでは勝しょう機きはない。

  There is no chance of winning if we stay on the defensive.