ward off

verb3

1. •
   To parry, or turn aside.

   • He raised his arms to ward off the attack.
2. •
   To avert or prevent.

   • He wore garlic to ward off vampires.
3. •
   To, while in possession of the ball, move the free hand or the hand and arm holding the butt end of the stick laterally into a defending player's body or stick.