I've just realized that most recent posts have just been pissed off or frustrated at anything involving Ultimate. I could attribute that to being hurt, but that gets old after a while...
I would be positive here, but the club team I "play" for, HOV, just embarrassed ourselves at Regionals. I have to say it is hard to stay positive when you're getting beat 15-4 by a team that you're 4-1 against on the season.
On the other hand... Woo-hoo! Club season is over and it is one less frustration for me! No, that didn't seem as exciting as I thought it would be...
I'm going to cut myself...lol.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Frustrated.
You know that time when you just couldn't find the right thing to say. I think I'm perpetually in this situation. I mean, percentage-wise, I'm doing fine. I'd say less than 5% of the time I'm not saying what I should be. Ain't it a bitch that this is the part that defines you?
Of course I can't be sure how much of this is fact. I mean, I sure do think that people are judging based solely on these 3 minutes, but I guess I could be wrong.
I feel like I'm on a roller coaster here. I feel like a coach, but I'm just the captain, and I feel like I have my teammates respect, but then I can't get them to listen during practice, much less focus during a full game. The best part was being called "unprofessional" because I got irritated when people were talking in the huddle... I'm not sure exactly where to go with that. I mean, I'm the captain of an Ultimate team. At a D-III university. We don't even play on a flat field. What part of this would require me to be "professional"? Not sure. Funny how sometimes they don't realize I'm still their teammate, and it's not about being "professional," it's about learning a skill to play a game. It's also about getting things explained in such a manner that allows us to use as much daylight as possible. Why waste time giggling and gossiping when we could just play the game?
I guess this could be an argument for why Ultimate teams should have coaches. You can't be a cohesive team as long as there is one voice that stands above the others. Caution: sarcasm doesn't translate so well in writing... I suppose there is chatter during the huddle because we are the best at what we do. I mean, why should you listen if you are at the top of your game? Why should you improve if you are the best?
All I know is things aren't always what they are peceived to be. I feel like people don't understand my motives. Everything I am striving to do should help us win. That is you and me. US. I don't intend on knowingly hindering our opportunity for success. I'm trying. I'll be damned if I stop. I'll continue to push forward hoping that we will rise as a team. As I've been elected to captain, I feel it is necessary to bring in as much outside knowledge as I can find. Invites to these sources will be sent out, we have voices of experience coming in to each practice. Broaddus, Los, Jared, Dave... They're not here to cheer, they're here because they have fallen in love with the same game I have, they have the same passion for sportsmanshio, competition, and comraderie, and they enjoy every opportunity to be an ambassador to this sport. Our sport. I hope we can take a moment to listen to what they have to say, I would have to bet it would be worth our time.
Of course I can't be sure how much of this is fact. I mean, I sure do think that people are judging based solely on these 3 minutes, but I guess I could be wrong.
I feel like I'm on a roller coaster here. I feel like a coach, but I'm just the captain, and I feel like I have my teammates respect, but then I can't get them to listen during practice, much less focus during a full game. The best part was being called "unprofessional" because I got irritated when people were talking in the huddle... I'm not sure exactly where to go with that. I mean, I'm the captain of an Ultimate team. At a D-III university. We don't even play on a flat field. What part of this would require me to be "professional"? Not sure. Funny how sometimes they don't realize I'm still their teammate, and it's not about being "professional," it's about learning a skill to play a game. It's also about getting things explained in such a manner that allows us to use as much daylight as possible. Why waste time giggling and gossiping when we could just play the game?
I guess this could be an argument for why Ultimate teams should have coaches. You can't be a cohesive team as long as there is one voice that stands above the others. Caution: sarcasm doesn't translate so well in writing... I suppose there is chatter during the huddle because we are the best at what we do. I mean, why should you listen if you are at the top of your game? Why should you improve if you are the best?
All I know is things aren't always what they are peceived to be. I feel like people don't understand my motives. Everything I am striving to do should help us win. That is you and me. US. I don't intend on knowingly hindering our opportunity for success. I'm trying. I'll be damned if I stop. I'll continue to push forward hoping that we will rise as a team. As I've been elected to captain, I feel it is necessary to bring in as much outside knowledge as I can find. Invites to these sources will be sent out, we have voices of experience coming in to each practice. Broaddus, Los, Jared, Dave... They're not here to cheer, they're here because they have fallen in love with the same game I have, they have the same passion for sportsmanshio, competition, and comraderie, and they enjoy every opportunity to be an ambassador to this sport. Our sport. I hope we can take a moment to listen to what they have to say, I would have to bet it would be worth our time.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Trying to Understand...
Quick Note: Track workout last night.
Leaned towards quickness and agility training. We did the typical round of calisthenics, mixed in some sprints, plyometrics, and then finished off with a T-drill. Last variation of the T-drill mixed in a bear crawl, somersaults, and a crab walk. Turns out one of our guys could quite possibly be the bear crawl champion of the world. I've never seen 12 people bust into applause after seeing the quality of someone's bear crawl. It was impressive.
We're doing a drill in practice tomorrow that I think might help solve our lack of using the full field, so I wanted to touch on the movement of the disc...
Why don't players look to dish the disc off quickly?
-Lack of confidence in throws
-Lack of options
-Concentration on catching the disc narrows their window for delivery to the next receiver
-Lack of trust in their receiver
-A desire to advance the disc rather than dump it
Why should they dish it?
-Forces the defense to adjust to the location of the disc
-Allows them to get back upfield and make another cut
-To take advantage of defensive poaching in the early counts of the stall
-Give it to a better thrower who is already looking upfield
I can understand why we aren't moving the disc quickly and effectively. Here are a few things we don't do well:
-Clear back to the stack as a cutter.
-We break off our cuts too late.
-The stack gets too spread out (Vert. Stack) eliminating good deep looks.
-Sprint off the disc (we stand and watch it. Might be a trust issue.).
-Give swing options when the disc is dumped.
-We don't create space as a handler, we set up our dump cuts too close to the disc.
-We don't push up when the disc is moving (this kills our flow).
-Our handlers need to constantly work to be in line with the disc.
Bunch of things to think about. I'm sure there are more. Just thinking...
Leaned towards quickness and agility training. We did the typical round of calisthenics, mixed in some sprints, plyometrics, and then finished off with a T-drill. Last variation of the T-drill mixed in a bear crawl, somersaults, and a crab walk. Turns out one of our guys could quite possibly be the bear crawl champion of the world. I've never seen 12 people bust into applause after seeing the quality of someone's bear crawl. It was impressive.
We're doing a drill in practice tomorrow that I think might help solve our lack of using the full field, so I wanted to touch on the movement of the disc...
Why don't players look to dish the disc off quickly?
-Lack of confidence in throws
-Lack of options
-Concentration on catching the disc narrows their window for delivery to the next receiver
-Lack of trust in their receiver
-A desire to advance the disc rather than dump it
Why should they dish it?
-Forces the defense to adjust to the location of the disc
-Allows them to get back upfield and make another cut
-To take advantage of defensive poaching in the early counts of the stall
-Give it to a better thrower who is already looking upfield
I can understand why we aren't moving the disc quickly and effectively. Here are a few things we don't do well:
-Clear back to the stack as a cutter.
-We break off our cuts too late.
-The stack gets too spread out (Vert. Stack) eliminating good deep looks.
-Sprint off the disc (we stand and watch it. Might be a trust issue.).
-Give swing options when the disc is dumped.
-We don't create space as a handler, we set up our dump cuts too close to the disc.
-We don't push up when the disc is moving (this kills our flow).
-Our handlers need to constantly work to be in line with the disc.
Bunch of things to think about. I'm sure there are more. Just thinking...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Players of Note
I figured I should post a little info about the guys who are making some serious noise at practice...
Stills - sophomore cutter/defensive beast. Stills has figured out how to put himself in the play on almost every throw. He's constantly been open recently and putting a lot of pressure on the offense. I'd say he gets clost to double-digit d's at every practice. Should I blame that on the offense? Not sure, but I do konw nobody else is getting those d's. All he needs now is more touch on his throws and a solid understanding of how to set up his cuts. He's open now, if he set up those cuts he would pick up 20 yd gainers consistently...
Lemon - Freshman defensive player. At this point he's still learning the game. 4th week I guess. His flick has come a long way, and I already see improvement in his backhand. He's another big defensive stopper. So big that I had to separate him and Stills so one offense could at least have an option. Lots of speed. If only he was a little taller, but I think he can learn to jump a bit.
John, Dan, Sonic, Jake - Handles in training. Decision-making is not 100% yet, but I think they can be serious threats once they reign a few throws in and gain some confidence. Breaks have been coming a little easier this year, so it's time to shore up the defense. Let's buckle down and see what these guys can do.
Arin, Billy, John - Our big men. Arin is the class of this group with his defensive prowess and knowledge of the game. It's not complete, but it's getting there. Billy and John have been coming along recently and will be huge assets to our team once they get a few tournaments under their belts. I'm excited about these guys, let's keep working hard!!!
We're constantly moving forward, I'm sure more names will emerge.
Stills - sophomore cutter/defensive beast. Stills has figured out how to put himself in the play on almost every throw. He's constantly been open recently and putting a lot of pressure on the offense. I'd say he gets clost to double-digit d's at every practice. Should I blame that on the offense? Not sure, but I do konw nobody else is getting those d's. All he needs now is more touch on his throws and a solid understanding of how to set up his cuts. He's open now, if he set up those cuts he would pick up 20 yd gainers consistently...
Lemon - Freshman defensive player. At this point he's still learning the game. 4th week I guess. His flick has come a long way, and I already see improvement in his backhand. He's another big defensive stopper. So big that I had to separate him and Stills so one offense could at least have an option. Lots of speed. If only he was a little taller, but I think he can learn to jump a bit.
John, Dan, Sonic, Jake - Handles in training. Decision-making is not 100% yet, but I think they can be serious threats once they reign a few throws in and gain some confidence. Breaks have been coming a little easier this year, so it's time to shore up the defense. Let's buckle down and see what these guys can do.
Arin, Billy, John - Our big men. Arin is the class of this group with his defensive prowess and knowledge of the game. It's not complete, but it's getting there. Billy and John have been coming along recently and will be huge assets to our team once they get a few tournaments under their belts. I'm excited about these guys, let's keep working hard!!!
We're constantly moving forward, I'm sure more names will emerge.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Peace Day
Peace Day turned into Saturday, but at least I started right? Limited workout due to the condition of my core, but I think I pushed pretty hard for my first session back. Bench, Single-arm rows, Military press, lateral raises, curls, and skull crushers. Feeling a pretty solid amount of soreness today...
I guess the rotation will be lifting on Sunday, body weight stuff at the track Tuesday night, and lifting on Thursday. I'll be eating a little better, and I'm considering adding some biking when I get around to it. Maybe Wednesday nights when I don't work.
First women's practice was yesterday. 10 attended. A good start considering we had 3 all of last year. Maybe there is hope for this. They want to call themselves the Catholic School Girls...
I guess the rotation will be lifting on Sunday, body weight stuff at the track Tuesday night, and lifting on Thursday. I'll be eating a little better, and I'm considering adding some biking when I get around to it. Maybe Wednesday nights when I don't work.
First women's practice was yesterday. 10 attended. A good start considering we had 3 all of last year. Maybe there is hope for this. They want to call themselves the Catholic School Girls...
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bad Habits Die Hard
I am a habitual bad eater. I pretty much eat what I feel like eating and nothing else. Problem is, I always feel like eating, and it's chocolate-chocolate chip that I'm working on right now.
After going on a hard workout regime for the first 3-4 months of this year, I did something stupid to my groin/abs/flexors and now my core isn't working right. So I did what any stupid 24-year-old would do and played on it. Now I'm still hurt and finally deciding I should rest. This summer however, I stopped working out and stuffed my face with all manner of pizza, chicken wings, soda, candy bars, cookies, and beer.
This trend continues. This morning I finished off the other half of my honey barbeque wings from last night, washed it down with a Coca-Cola Classic, and went to grab these c-chocolate chip cookies that I'm eating now.
This is no New Year's resolution, it's a Sept. 21st resolution, a Peace Day resolution as a matter-of-fact. The resolution is this: No cookies, soda, candy, or sugar unless I workout on that day. No cookies, soda, candy, or sugar on practice or track workout days. I'm not running the workouts, but my teammates are expecting me to be there for them when I get healthy. Operation: Peace Day... It's on.
After going on a hard workout regime for the first 3-4 months of this year, I did something stupid to my groin/abs/flexors and now my core isn't working right. So I did what any stupid 24-year-old would do and played on it. Now I'm still hurt and finally deciding I should rest. This summer however, I stopped working out and stuffed my face with all manner of pizza, chicken wings, soda, candy bars, cookies, and beer.
This trend continues. This morning I finished off the other half of my honey barbeque wings from last night, washed it down with a Coca-Cola Classic, and went to grab these c-chocolate chip cookies that I'm eating now.
This is no New Year's resolution, it's a Sept. 21st resolution, a Peace Day resolution as a matter-of-fact. The resolution is this: No cookies, soda, candy, or sugar unless I workout on that day. No cookies, soda, candy, or sugar on practice or track workout days. I'm not running the workouts, but my teammates are expecting me to be there for them when I get healthy. Operation: Peace Day... It's on.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Put me in Coach
Breathe.
That's what I'm telling myself as 7 turns happen in succession. Why can't we just dump the disc and swing it? Why do we force it down the sideline into our defenders? Questions I can't answer obviously. But, I'll be damned if I'm just going to let it happen.
There were two points at practice today that irked me. Endzone drill and the 3rd or 4th point of the game. Practice was amazing Monday! It was intense, lightbulbs were going off in peoples' heads, great decisions were made! Today, not so much. Bad throws, decisions, defense, and use of space had me fighting to contain myself.
Dave related this to child rearing... I'm not sure that's too far off.
Things will get better. We will be the team I envision, it's just going to take a little polish.
Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn, and ooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuut......
That's what I'm telling myself as 7 turns happen in succession. Why can't we just dump the disc and swing it? Why do we force it down the sideline into our defenders? Questions I can't answer obviously. But, I'll be damned if I'm just going to let it happen.
There were two points at practice today that irked me. Endzone drill and the 3rd or 4th point of the game. Practice was amazing Monday! It was intense, lightbulbs were going off in peoples' heads, great decisions were made! Today, not so much. Bad throws, decisions, defense, and use of space had me fighting to contain myself.
Dave related this to child rearing... I'm not sure that's too far off.
Things will get better. We will be the team I envision, it's just going to take a little polish.
Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn, and ooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuut......
...
Had a job tonight... Got home at 11:30pm. That's early! I'm still awake. It's 2am!
My body should hate me. Actually, I bet it already does. Go to bed, jerk.
My body should hate me. Actually, I bet it already does. Go to bed, jerk.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Club Sectionals
What a long weekend! I bought a camera Friday night to cash in on the long weekends of Ultimate ahead, and although it may have been a bit expensive, I was extremely happy with the results. That being said, I probably should post some pictures... we'll see what happens.
First off, HOV started the weekend exactly the way we wanted. 4-0. defeating AC/DC, Stall 12, Virginia Tech, and Baltimore Grand Masters. Of course, the big competition was waiting for us in Day 2, but it's nice to get that first one out of the way with a goose egg in the loss column.
Day 2. I found out late last night that the boys from Catholic U pulled off a few "upsets" to go 3-1 on the day. After coming in seeded 21st, we played like we had nothing to lose and dropped some of the teams we'll be seeing later in the year. Today they played a vicious UVA team and dropped a close one to American University's Stall 11. HOV on the other hand, made quick work of Med Men 15-11 to advance to the finals against Truck Stop.
Truck Stop has cruised through this weekend, and even had a stretch of 28-30 points where they were not scored on! Impressive even for an elite-level club team. We came out fired up and took the first 2 points of the game to show them we came to play. After the first few, we traded early until Truck Stop woke up. After sleep-walking through Day 1, we got a glimpse of the talent level they carry on their roster. Crisp cutting, accurate throws, and just excellent overall team speed carried them past us and took the half 8-5. We managed to pull another point out in the second half, but we just couldn't keep up with Truck Stop's efficiency and dropped this one 15-6. Now, rather than just earning 2nd here, we had to play one more game for 2nd and 3rd against Med Men.
Now I'm not all that upset over this game, mainly because I wasn't playing, but Med Men just had more left than us, and took this one 15-12. Remember, this is their first win of the summer against us. It's likely we'll see them again.
First off, HOV started the weekend exactly the way we wanted. 4-0. defeating AC/DC, Stall 12, Virginia Tech, and Baltimore Grand Masters. Of course, the big competition was waiting for us in Day 2, but it's nice to get that first one out of the way with a goose egg in the loss column.
Day 2. I found out late last night that the boys from Catholic U pulled off a few "upsets" to go 3-1 on the day. After coming in seeded 21st, we played like we had nothing to lose and dropped some of the teams we'll be seeing later in the year. Today they played a vicious UVA team and dropped a close one to American University's Stall 11. HOV on the other hand, made quick work of Med Men 15-11 to advance to the finals against Truck Stop.
Truck Stop has cruised through this weekend, and even had a stretch of 28-30 points where they were not scored on! Impressive even for an elite-level club team. We came out fired up and took the first 2 points of the game to show them we came to play. After the first few, we traded early until Truck Stop woke up. After sleep-walking through Day 1, we got a glimpse of the talent level they carry on their roster. Crisp cutting, accurate throws, and just excellent overall team speed carried them past us and took the half 8-5. We managed to pull another point out in the second half, but we just couldn't keep up with Truck Stop's efficiency and dropped this one 15-6. Now, rather than just earning 2nd here, we had to play one more game for 2nd and 3rd against Med Men.
Now I'm not all that upset over this game, mainly because I wasn't playing, but Med Men just had more left than us, and took this one 15-12. Remember, this is their first win of the summer against us. It's likely we'll see them again.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Lion Tamer
I spent 5 straight months working my ass off last Fall/Spring to prepare myself for Ultimate. There was no other motivation... I didn't need to lose weight, I was in decent shape, and I don't think I've every really had too many issues with self-esteem.
Anyway, every day I walked to work I felt like a lion. Like there was some beast inside me just waiting to be released. But, I guess things change.
4 months now I haven't lifted a weight in ernest, ran 100%, or even played a single point of Ultimate I thought I could be proud of. Some abdominal pain mixed with a tight groin and a hip flexor issue can do wonders to your mental state. Not to mention your lifestyle.
I've heard a bunch of people talking about this PTD, Post-Tournament Depression, as some kind of physical let down after 2 full days of Ultimate, but I think I have the reverse of this: Pre-Tournament Depression. On the eve of Sectionals I'm thinking about facing off against the top team in D.C. carrying a camera and a cold Shiner Bock. I mean, the sport is fun to watch and all, but jesus I'm so much better at playing!
-insert expletive here-!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, every day I walked to work I felt like a lion. Like there was some beast inside me just waiting to be released. But, I guess things change.
4 months now I haven't lifted a weight in ernest, ran 100%, or even played a single point of Ultimate I thought I could be proud of. Some abdominal pain mixed with a tight groin and a hip flexor issue can do wonders to your mental state. Not to mention your lifestyle.
I've heard a bunch of people talking about this PTD, Post-Tournament Depression, as some kind of physical let down after 2 full days of Ultimate, but I think I have the reverse of this: Pre-Tournament Depression. On the eve of Sectionals I'm thinking about facing off against the top team in D.C. carrying a camera and a cold Shiner Bock. I mean, the sport is fun to watch and all, but jesus I'm so much better at playing!
-insert expletive here-!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Where can you find info on all things Spaceballs? Wikipedia, of course.
Turns out there's a sub-light speed, light speed, ridiculous speed, and ludicrous speed. Maybe we're moving at sub-light speed now that I think about it.
I think a tournament can change that... now if only something would come of these bids we put in.
I think a tournament can change that... now if only something would come of these bids we put in.
Rising...
I think track workouts must've been the last thing on everyone's minds last year.
This year? Not so much. Two "official" and one unofficial workouts down. I thought since the attendance has been so good I should probably make note of the progress. By progress I mean how the workout is progressing... We have such a wide array of body types/fitness levels on the team that it's hard to cover it all.
The warm-up for each workout is always an 800 and mixed calisthenics.
Unofficial workout: August 28th, 5 runners, 4x200m
Official workout #1: Sept. 4, 18 runners, 400m, 200m, 100m, 200m, 400m for time.
Official workout #2: Sept. 11, 15 runners, Plyos, 2-mile Indian Run, second group chose 4x400m for time.
I feel like the team has this bad habit coming on... we're going to be way too sexy for our shirts.
This year? Not so much. Two "official" and one unofficial workouts down. I thought since the attendance has been so good I should probably make note of the progress. By progress I mean how the workout is progressing... We have such a wide array of body types/fitness levels on the team that it's hard to cover it all.
The warm-up for each workout is always an 800 and mixed calisthenics.
Unofficial workout: August 28th, 5 runners, 4x200m
Official workout #1: Sept. 4, 18 runners, 400m, 200m, 100m, 200m, 400m for time.
Official workout #2: Sept. 11, 15 runners, Plyos, 2-mile Indian Run, second group chose 4x400m for time.
I feel like the team has this bad habit coming on... we're going to be way too sexy for our shirts.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Shhh... I'm working!
No seriously... working harder than usual. No more of this Ultimate contemplation without application. We're applying things left and right.
As far as I can tell we're moving forward at light speed. I'd prefer the ludicrous type, but we'll see if we can't go to plaid in the Spring. It's a step-by-step process and I'm pretty sure we'd be missing steps if we didn't hit that one in the middle. I think that's what the track workouts are for.
I really need to see Spaceballs again. Any takers?
Oh, you thought I was talking about "work" work....
As far as I can tell we're moving forward at light speed. I'd prefer the ludicrous type, but we'll see if we can't go to plaid in the Spring. It's a step-by-step process and I'm pretty sure we'd be missing steps if we didn't hit that one in the middle. I think that's what the track workouts are for.
I really need to see Spaceballs again. Any takers?
Oh, you thought I was talking about "work" work....
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