Never defoliate because all the leaves are essential for absorbing light and storing moisture/nutes.
The leaves such as the fans will die off naturally, and then you can snap them off.
The buds will receive enough light past a leaf which is also a source of energy.
Defoliating actually damages the plant plus they will tell you what's going on with your plant, such as too much N or not enough.
When I 1st started I pruned/lolipoped and finally came to the conclusion that all it does is make the plant look cool.
If you doubt me and you have more than 1 plant, mangle one and let the other run naturally and you'll see what I mean.
Anyway Good luck