Winter Ulty - Week #2

"Because when I arrive

I, I bring the fire

Make you come alive

I can take you higher."

Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne - Let it Rock

I had a hard time "bringing the fire" this week to my two games. I'll bore you with the details below.

- Monday I did one of my new speed workouts that KJ suggested during my initial consultation: sprint intervals. For non-runners, and for those who might like to improve "first step" speed, sprint intervals are when you sprint for 100 or 200 meters, take a short recovery jog, and sprint again. I did 10 sprints/recoveries on Monday since it was the last day before the snow hit Ottawa.
- Tuesday's Fish workout was fun. I think I was doing my exercises too quickly though. We decided it was time to book an appointment with KJ this coming week to change up our workout. Afterall, variety is the spice of life....

- I really don't want to write or talk about Wednesday. I'm ashamed of my performance, and can't think of anything positive about that game.

- If memory serves, Thursday I lifted some weights. Definitely went to Michelle's class...where we got through three circuits. Had trouble doing the side stepping with the agility ladder.

- Friday's game was definitely better than Wednesday. Low-light was making a few stupid decisions (one throw-away, one pass intercepted by a poaching defender, and one pass that was a tad too high for a team-mate to pull down).

- Multiple high-lights in Friday's game, but the one I remember most was getting a few cuts off against one of the better players in the league who plays in the open program. I also ran my ass off trying to cover him on D.

- Even though we lost (18-13ish), it was a close game against a talented team (that should lose some players after next week). The whole captaining thing is still a challenge for me. I'm not sure how much coaching/captaining to do, since the great majority of my team has been playing the sport much longer than I have....and kind of do their own thing.

- Another post-game high-light was getting to talk with one of the veterans on our team at the A&L after the game. He's one of those guys I respect a great deal, and is a national silver medal winner from Mule. I love the fact he plays so smart.

- Next Friday is shaping up to be interesting. Coach Stu and his partner Sue are subbing for my team, since the Gelato-star and Pistol Pete are off to be black sheep in La Belle Province.

- High-light of the week: I ordered a pair of black G4's from Gaia! :D I'm not going to lie, these cleats excite me...all over *haha*

On that note, I'm glad this week is over. I'm definitely going to make an effort to play smarter next Wednesday. I've been considering cutting more, since that's really what I wanted to work on this winter. It's just that, my Wednesday team is a bit handler light....and if I cut...our athletic handler count decreases by 50%. Decisions, decisions *sigh*. Until next time, happy hucking!

Failure

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
Sir Winston Churchill

No amusing post-IID-game summary this week. We got blown away 28-10, and I was a big reason why we lost. I got hand blocked three times in the first half, had passes intercepted, got beat on D, and didn't make smart decisions. After racking up impressive offensive stats last week, I was shut out on goals and assists. My brief fantasy of playing my way onto the other side of the curtain was completely dashed by my abysmal performance. Oi vey, I didn't even give the stylin' IID alumnus a chance to say her well rehearsed quote *sigh*. The one saving grace is that Mahatma wasn't around to see my train wreck of a performance. Wow…how quickly things change....

Indoor vs. Outdoor

"Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage."
Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet with Butterfly Wings

"She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes."
Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

Great ultimate players should be able to dominate on any playing surface. That being said, I've noticed that there are certain skills that are required to transition from playing on grass to playing on turf (or carpet). The indoor game is quicker, more intense, and played in a controlled environment. The following is a non-comprehensive list of the skills you'll need to be successful in a bubble.

Speed
There are two types of speed that are important inside. One is the first step, sprinter speed, that players like Airborne Steele and Oops I'm InJerRed possess. This foot speed is important to cut effectively on O, and get those catch up D's. Equally important, is the mental agility to make quick decisions. With only eight stalls, decisions must be near automatic indoors, or you'll be stalled down.

Focus
Everyone knows a "slow starter" who seems to show up to play after half-time when the game gets close. With shorter time slots, and playing to time cap, every point indoors is important. If you're not stretched, mentally focused, and ready to work your ass off, you should let your team-mates play for you until you're good to go at 100%. There's no time for easing into the indoor game.

Fitness
Inevitably, the first few weeks of indoor, you'll find yourself sucking wind. No amount of running, interval work, or cardio training will prepare you for the short quick bursts you'll need to survive playing one or two points on, and one point off. Additionally, I find it hard to breath in the various Ottawa domes, and can understand the difficulty faced by people with asthma. Committing to a fitness program that prepares your body to survive the rigors of indoor play is paramount.

Confidence
Here's an observation that few could argue with – throws are easier in a controlled environment (i.e. no wind), so it's an opportune time to let some harder throws fly. Having confidence will allow you to experiment more on the field, and improve your overall game. Don't get me wrong, when the game is on the line, only use 100% throws. However, some of your 70% and 80% throws become 100% throws inside if you have confidence.

Decision Making
Even though it was mentioned in the "Speed" category, it bares repeating since you have to make more correct decisions faster to excel indoors. With only six players on the pitch, you'll see the disc more, and have to make quick decisions to keep the disc moving. Struggling with making the right decisions every time you touch the disc will slow you and your team down.

Disregard for Layout Scars
If you want the disc, there are ample opportunities to layout and get it indoors. Unlike layouts on soft grass, layouts on turf end up hurting every time. On the other hand, if you don't layout, not only will your team-mates razz you about it, you'll have a case of the "should haves" after the game. Unless you're playing at the Carleton Carpethouse, there's no excuse not to take the literal plunge.

Keeping the above items in mind, you should be better prepared to turn heads inside this winter. Remember that turf burns and layout scars are badges of honor, and should be displayed prominently ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!

Week 2 Picks

"Predicting the future is easy. It's trying to figure out what's going on now that's hard."
- Fritz Dressler

Here's an admission: I quite enjoyed making IID picks on here last week. On OUHA, you have a bunch of strangers reading your words, and interpreting them any way they wish. Whereas on here, I know most of my readers, so the picks aren't taken too seriously. At the risk of tooting my own horn, I picked 75% of the games right last week, and I'm pretty sure I got my quote correct as well. Will I be able to acheive 100% accuracy this week? Don't hold your breath ;-)

Team 6 vs. Team 5

With both teams looking to rebound after week 1 losses, the smart money (i.e. funds not invested in financing the song "Car Crash" on CBC Radio 3 *tee hee*) is on team 5 to pull out the win. Why does the smart money favor team 5? Smart money comes from smart players. There are confirmed rumors that one "tall drink of water" (quoteth #24) on team 5 keeps track of his positive and negative accomplishments each game by way of a notebook. A smart improvement plan if there ever was one. As stated in my initial set of picks, team 5 has the talent to be one of the top teams in the league…it's just a matter of meshing styles. Team 6 looked to have trouble handling the speedy women on team 3 last week, and will be in for another tough test in trying to shut down Ms. Bush. So as not to be totally negative on team 6, I think they have one of the strongest groups of handlers in IID. Any post-holiday shuffle that brings team 6 some cutters will undoubtedly strengthen their team.

Team 1 vs Team 2

The other two "loveable losers" from week 1 face off in what should be a close game. Having seen a few points of team 1's loss last week, it's obvious that the great Kamasutra didn't distribute height evenly throughout the league (see the giants on team 3 as further proof). What makes it obvious? There was this 5'4 guy on team 1 that weighed about 100 pounds (if had been painted with lead) that wore a t-shirt "Will Flex for Food". The sad thing is, he wasn't the shortest player on that team. *sigh*. With coach Cory back in the line-up, team 1 will be improved. Hopefully, Deefense can Waite will also return for team 1, since they seemed to be lacking her energy last week. Although I hate to bet against my captains from last year, I think team 2 will take this match-up. Team 2 has tones of talent, and will use the height of "Tree" Thomson to their full advantage. Also look for MC to "Steele" the show by shutting down the Leggy girl on team 1.

Team 7 vs Team 4

Team 7 will be rockin' our black shirts which increase our chances of winning this tilt. I'm hoping that team 4 blew their collective load to pull out a tight win last week, and that their Good-key won't open any clear lanes for them. With unconfirmed rumors that Pistol Pete hurt his shoulder while trying to impress his uber cool girlfriend with gratuitous layouts last week, number 55 will look to test number 25's fitness ;-) I'm really looking forward to seeing who on team 4 (if anyone) will step-up to cover Giddy-up (who is quickly moving up my list of favorite team-mates who chase after my errant hucks). Lastly, I'll predict that Gym Rockin' Robinson will dig into his purple-wearing past to be a deciding factor in team 7's win.

Ocho vs. Team 3

Team "Ocho" surprised me by their large margin of victory over team 1 last week and impressed me by picking such a cool name. For those accomplishments, they earned my respect. However, my gut feeling is that team 3 will dominate the league until the Almighty Mahatma blows them apart. With two Fish women (Golentement and Morehands), and my ulty-name-crush formerly known as Delongchamps (who could easily play competitive with her speed and handling skills), team 3 has the strongest women in the league this side of team 7 ;-) With two male giants, the amazing ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder (when he recovers), and de-captained Jody to keep things organized, all that team 7 is missing is a lanky handler to send discs deep and high (I might know someone who's interested…). I'll pick team 3 by a sizable margin…possibly double figures.

This week's predicted quote will come from a stylin' IID alumuni, who will undoubtedly be courtside to see the clash of the undefeated titans at 9:30pm. With a vested interested in the outcome of the game, this former IID star will at some point in the game exclaim:
"Yo 25. Stop making 55 look better than he is. Bring the fire P-star!"

On that note, I'm off to dream of skies, layout D's, and smart decisions. Can't wait til Wednesday at 9:30 :) Until next time, happy hucking!

Winter Ulty Recap!

"I'm not happy with your happy hucking ways!"
- Anonymous ultimate mentor to an overly happy hucker...who likes purple.

"When we play eachother, I'm going to cover you all game."
- Anonymous former team-mate to a happy hucking, purple preferring, fast-running Fish.

Amusing recaps aside, it felt great to get winter ultimate underway. Here's the first of 20 weekly recaps to appear this winter (barring any injuries *crossing fingers*).

- Mr. Two Pointer and I have been getting together for a couple of weeks now and going through the KJ approved workout on Sundays at my local gym. It's crazy how fast we can get through the sets of the workout when it's just the two of us. Having said that, I'm looking forward to Sandra being able to join us one of these weeks when she's not "sick" (haha).
- Tuesday's KJ approved workout with the four Fish continues to make my figure slightly less girlish. Sandra entertained us with an odd saying about big, blue balls. A saying that is best left unrepeated.
- At the risk of overanalyzing the first IID game of the year, I thought I'd do the usual positive and negative summary.
- My positive is that my sprint speed has already improved. There were a few times on D and Berkley cuts where I found myself blowing past my opponent. Not to say that I don't have a lot of work to do to get to the point where the improvement would be obvious to GLUM Ford, but I'm on my way. The classes, KJ workouts, and sprint intervals I'm running are paying off.
- Since I usually come across quite negative in this blog, I'll give another positive for Wednesday, in that I was very happy with my "competitive mindset". There were some tough match-ups for me on team 2 that I would have shied away from a year ago, but that I chose to initiate Wednesday night. Knowing that I'll face players in the summer where I give away height, experience, and speed…I picked three people on team 2 that I was able to match up against that would teach me how to effectively mark these types of players. The speed match-up was pretty close :)
- As for a negative, my decision making was awful, especially in the second half. I'm glad former captain GinnandJuice didn't hang around after his team lost, since I rarely dumped at stall 4, and forced more than my share of throws. Which leads me to my personal goal for next week: no throw-aways. Frankly, I have to play smarter with El Ultimo Organizero as a captain...since she's also a Fish captain.
- Thursday's workout with Michelle was the first of the winter that made me sore. I blame those damn resistance bands and the arm curl exercises we did with them.
- Friday's game was odd because:
1) We got behind 9-1
2) It was my first time "co-captaining" a team (granted, I did next to nothing in terms of captaining duties...for which I feel a tad guilty).
3) My bad decision making from Wednesday continued.
- As for the positives, after getting so far behind, our team rallied and came back to tie a very talented squad (including Mr. Two-Pointer, Devlish Kennedy, and Lovely Liz (of Late Night fame)). As a "co-captain", I was so proud of the way we rallied. I like to think just a little bit of that was my example...even if I'm wrong ;-)
- Again, the big negative is decision making. If I want my team-mates to dump on 4 or 5, why am I not doing that? If I hold my breath everytime one of them hucks long to an unsuspecting cutter, why am I doing that? I need to play smarter next week and set a better example. The same "no throw-away" goal will apply.
- Sadly, I wasn't able to join the team for a post-game bevy at the A&L since I had to get up at 8am for 9am pick-up ulty this morning.
- My heart just wasn't in pick-up this morning. Without any open guys there (well...there was one Carleton/Firebird dude), I couldn't really get the competitive juices flowing. I hucked a lot (quel surpise), had one nice break throw for an assist, and misjudged a disc so badly that I got skyed by a guy who's about 5'5 lol. Oh yea, my team lost...but I blame that on G dominating her overmatched (and hung over) opponent on my team ;-)

To summarize, I have to start playing smarter ultimate next week. I know I'm capable of it, so I have to buckle down and execute. As a way to motivate myself, for every throw-away I have in IID and on Friday, I'm going to do 10 push-ups (P.S. I hate push-ups). Hopefully next week's recap will contain two 'mistake free' games.

Oh, and before I forget, the second quote should prove for an "interesting" match-up in a couple of weeks. Admitedly, this quote has me fired up to take this former team-mate for a run. Until next time, happy hucking.

First IID Game Recap

"We haven't killed each other...yet."
Rigid - Refering to playing with pn55 to an innocent bystander in the A&L after game 1.

After gathering in a circle to determine who the tallest woman on the team was (conclusion: Mama Fish by a Blackberry) and evenly distribute height over our two lines of men (conclusion: Two former purple team-mates shall never play together this winter *sigh*), team 7 let out a quick cheer of "Lucky 7" and got our season underway. Proving that anything can happen in IIDy-land, team's 2 pull was caught by Rigid, who showed questionable decision-making ability by passing it to yours truly, who proceeded to huck it deep to a striking "Giddy-up" for a quick score. Team 7 continued to click as we jumped out to a 4-0 lead causing opposing captain Salmon to call a timeout and berate his troops for not acquiring the requisite "man tights" that are needed to play effectively in the dome. A high-light for team 7 was the brilliant play of Lilyhammers and Tiesmen who was as offensively awesome as her team-mate Andrea Hardn'Up was defensively spectacular. Team 2's St. Patrick "El Diablo" Mackalacka spent the game putting on a handling clinic that resulted in "Tree" Thomson pulling down numerous scores over shorter defenders. Forum frequenter Steve disappointed me by not calling any violations, and barely contesting when some purple-loving IID-iot called an 'up' disc 'down'. Although team 2 closed the gap, team 7's amazing women led us to a 18-14 win.

A post-game beverage at the A&L brought together all three OUHA IID predictors from last year at one table, who were temporarily joined by OUHA recapper, and resident fashionista G-star / DeakslikeDaigle / Ms. Row-star. The fantastic four were broken up when the Almighty Mahatma sent a telepathic message our way indicating that we should immediately disband in separate cars so as not to promote rumors of "Pick Rigging".

Eat Your Heart Out Kenny

The song parody competition continues between me and my fellow Friday co-captain (with an intriguing blog that examines the spiritual connection between stars and discs). Although some of our best work has not been posted, I feel confident saying that many of my readers will enjoy this latest ditty. I might not have a chain of successful chicken restaurants, but Kenny doesn't have my long forehand hucks ;-)

The Handler

On a warm tourny evenin, on a field in the middle of nowhere
I met up with a handler, we were both too pumped to sleep.
So we took turns a huckin, discs into the darkness
Til we ran out frisbees, and then he began to speak

He said, "yo, I’ve made my career, out of readin mark’s faces,
And knowin their strategy, by the way they squint their eyes.
So if you don’t mind my sayin, your throws go weird places
For a taste of your Gatorade, I’ll give you some advice."

So I handed him my bottle, he backwashed and didn’t swallow
Then he bummed my last Powerbar, and checked it wasn’t “light”
And the night got deathly quiet, as he stroked his handle bar mustache
He said, "if you’re gonna play this game, rookie, ya gotta learn to play it right."

"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."

"Now every handler knows, the secret to thriving
Is knowin who to throw to, and knowin which discs to keep
Cause receivers are a dime a dozen, and handlers are skilled players
And the best that you can hope for is that all your strikers cut deep."

So when he’d finished preaching, he burped and farted loudly
Stripped down to his Speedo, and snored off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness, the handler broke his mark,
But in his final words I found some pearls I could keep.

"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."

If you'd rather not see any more songs in the blog, well, I wouldn't blame you ;-) Just let me know. Having said that, I'm guessing my brother will enjoy this latest entry since he performs a mean version of The Gambler (which is my personal favorite).

On that note, I'm off to bed and will dream about huge skies and lengthy hucks tomorrow in my first IID game of the season. To say I'm pumped would be an understatement. For what it's worth, it's 95% excitement, and only 5% nervousness about playing with Rigid. As mentioned, unlike last year, there's not a player in the league who scares me this year, and I'm really looking forward to my super awesome team. Oh, and before I forget, after quickly checking my Friday team, our roster appears to have filled out, and we just got much, much better (at least for the first 3 weeks of evaluations). Until next time, happy hucking!

My IID Team Rocks!

"We're gonna win
Forget about a draw - we're gonna score
And then were gonna get a few more
Maybe another one just to be sure
We'll make ya look just like an amateur
Until the final whistle its a war
And then were gonna pick ya off the floor
We wanna hear the crowd really roar
Ya - we're comin in were gonna win win!"
Bryan Adams - We're Gonna Win

The IID rosters were posted on Friday morning and DAMN did I luck out! Team 7, led by InVinceable EverYoung and Mama Fish looks super strong and experienced. Although I was hoping for another winter of being coached by Cory and Stu, Vince and Sandra were a very close second pick. Plus, this way I get to show Sandra that I'm more than just a cutter (even though that's what I'm planning on doing in IID this year).

Despite knowing most of the team, I really want to play with them a few games before I give an overview of our roster. To be honest, I guess the biggest surprise for me was seeing the infamous "Rigid" on my team. After sending Mehmet a message thanking him for putting me on such a talented squad, he replied saying that Rigid was a last minute trade, and he's sure we'll be able to get along. I'd tend to agree with that assessment as I always respected his game, and am really looking forward to learning how he gets off his backhand hucks.

Instead of giving an overview of our roster, I thought I'd cave to peer pressure and post my picks for next week's games instead. Although I was rather awful at picking winners last winter, I really enjoyed it, and thought I'd continue it outside of OUHA. Even though there's a temptation to be crude since these will only be posted here, the picks will probably be pretty PC…at least for now. On to the first week's games!

IID 1 vs. IID 8

Welcome to our first mismatch of the season! Led by captains Cory and Stu, IID 1 will trounce IID 8. The only chance that team 8 has is if Liz D. completely dominates team 1's women. Having played with Liz at CHEO last summer, and guessing that one of the guys on team 8 is her talented partner, there is a good possibility of her kicking ass. However, seeing Deefense CanWaite and Lizzy "Legz" St. Jean on team 1, well, quite frankly those are some hard asses to kick. Even though I only recognize one guy on team1 (a Rowdy OJ), I still know Stu and Cory will have them playing smart ultimate. Good luck team 8…you'll need it.

IID 2 vs. IID 7

Guaranteeing team 7 will bring the instensity, I still expect a battle out of team 2. Having a cleat mark from Salmon on my right leg from fall league, I'm out for revenge against him and his talented group of players. Admittedly, I'm also looking forward to seeing if forum frequenter Steve calls something crazy against our team. I'll expect to see some hot throws from El'Diablo Mackalacka to my favorite MC (who reminded me yesterday that she is in possession of an embarrassing topless picture of me). As further evidence of my quest to keep things PC, I'm not even going to touch the surname of the woman on team 2 that's begging to be made into a hilarious nickname. Even though team 2 will battle hard, they'll go down fighting to InVincable and Mama Fish's wonder kids. To bastardize the name of one of my awesome teammates, "K. Bringiton".

IID 3 vs. IID 6

Team 3 bares an uncanny resemblance to last year's Finskies, except they have added fire power with Tanya Silvousplait Golentement, and are lacking the sender of deep discs, gangsta rap fanatic – Captain Chris Route'em. Note to the women on team 6: I suggest you grow some balls, because chasing Golentement, Morehands, and Delongchamps (glad she kept that name after getting married last month) will cause you to run those balls off. To the men on team 6 – I dare you to try to stop ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder. Steve is only killing time in IID until he's healed up and ready to sky elderly IADers :) Team 6's best chance? Let Mike "Stop calling me Brian (…James)" and CHo work handler isolation plays all night long.

IID 4 vs. IID 5

Team 5 is officially my dark horse team of the year. Count on "Downtown" Dave Brown hucking breakforce with his beautiful lefty throws to "The Shocker" to produce a ton of points. Also count on RPAlex challenging forum frequenter Steve for the title of "Best Rules Knowledge / Most Violations Called in IID". The only problem, is that team 4's captain Bo…knows rules ;-) I'd also be willing to bet that Matt "Low Release" Goodkey will be the first to be promoted to the big leagues (just because Steve needs a little time to heal), with Pistol Pete following closely behind him. Speaking of safe bets, I'm really hoping to hear a cry of "Bonzai" when team 5 pulls ;-) I like team 4 to win a squeaker with Pistol Pete showing his "KJ workout" developed fitness by outworking RPAlex to huck one deep to IID's hottest CMA on universe.

With only four games to pick each week, I'm going to start a new tradition of trying to predict a quote. Since it's my first week, I'm going to go with a relatively sure thing:
*While being marked by a man on team 4*
RPAlex: "Violation!"

With that, I have some studying to do for a case study on Monday. In the mean time, I'm hoping to learn my Friday night team sometime soon (there's some uber talented ladies playing Friday this year...including my captain). Hoping everyone is making the most of the last week "off" before winter ulty officially starts this Wednesday. Happy hucking!

Winter Goals

"The difference between you guys and the players on the other side of the curtain [IAD] isn't skill or ability, it's decision making."
S. Ginn(andJuice) – Before first IID game in November 2007

When I first heard the above quote, I was tempted to raise my hand and argue that not only was my decision making horrible, but I also lacked the skill and ability to compete against the players on the other side of that magical curtain. After a winter of playing for Stu, a summer on the BF practice roster, and a compliment from GLUM Ford for playing within myself, I know that my decision making is IAD caliber. Instead, I've decided to take the (bastardized) advice that Donald Sutherland gives Billy Crudup in the movie Without Limits and "make IID my damn play thing".
The "play thing" concept might make it sound like I'm not taking IID seriously this winter, but that's inaccurate. Granted, since I'm not planning on making picks and slagging "competitors" on ultimate message boards this winter (bye bye OUHA), I won't be focused as much on winning games in order to make my predictions come true. Having said that, if my own personal improvement goals contribute to my team's success, that would be a bonus.

It's also worth noting that after initial disappointment, I've come to think that another winter in IID is a better fit for me. In IID, I won't be stressed out about playing mistake-free ultimate. Plus, I kind of overshot my expectations by getting some PT on Fish this summer. There's something to be said for progressing at a more comfortable pace.

What will I be working on this winter in IID? Glad you asked.

Defense

1. Improve defensive positioning and footwork – As per Sharpe's advice, this is an area I need to focus. Remembering not to stare down my opponent, but keep my head on a swivel, was starting to pay dividends in falltimate. The "keeping low" vs. "hunching over" will be a more difficult and time consuming transition, but I'm committed to it. Lastly, I know at least one Friday team-mate who won't be afraid to yell at me to stay on my toes on D!

2. Making layouts automatic – On offense, I tend to layout whenever needed. Sadly, on defense, I always ask myself "Do you really want to lay out for this?" With a new pair of tights to protect my knees, the goal this winter is to make laying out for D's automatic.

Offense

3. Cutting - Cutting on BF this past summer was the first time I cut for any team in over a year. It's embarrassing to admit, but Bryce's "Take 3 steps in the direction you don't want to go in, 180 degree turn, go hard the other way" advice was what I did 95% of the time this summer. I can't remember making any Boulder cuts or sideline cuts, and I only slanted when the play required it (i.e. the other 5% of the time). Since I won't be "cutting up" anyone on OUHA, I'll use my 20 games in IID to "get my cuts in" ;-)

4. Attack high discs – This is a BF captain piece of advice that I need to work on. Knowing a couple of taller and athletic cutters in IID, I look forward to an updated "perfect sky" entry (see May or June) next year.

5. Get confidence in my backhand – It's definitely better than it was last winter, or even early summer, but I tend to break and flick instead of throwing backhand. Warm-up throwing will be focused on getting comfortable with my backhand.

General

5.5 (Yay 55!) Have fun – I know this sounds basic, but being a competitive person, it sometimes skips my mind. Since my focus is on improving, as opposed to winning games, or being promoted, I think the 'fun' goal will fall into place easier this winter. For instance, I've been thinking of ways to incorporate purple into my IID wardrobe (which would simultaneously increase chances of winning!).

There you have my plan for the winter. If you happen to wander past the "intermediate" area of the dome, and see me laying out for a hot D that I was well positioned to make, running over and pushing my defender to the sideline with a beautiful cut, skying for catch, then breaking him backhand for a score, only to do a little dance in my purple shorts afterward, you'll know I'm accomplishing my goals ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!

"Off Week" Recap

"Everybody needs some time, on their own
Don't you know you need some time, all alone"
Guns N' Roses - November Rain

I wouldn't recap a week unless their was some ultimate involved, so after sampling some pick-up today at the BFP Dome, I felt compelled to write a little summary.

- Tuesday's KJ program workout was fun, as it was half-intermediate (the fellas), half-advanced (the lovely ladies) session. Pistol Pete joined the usual Fish divas for his second workout, and helped up the testosterone quotient at the gym. Sadly, the man they call "Buckshot" also ejected quite a bit of phlegm (<- a word I never thought I'd use in my ultimate blog).
- Michelle directed us through 55 second reps in the last of the KJ "Build Your Base" class on Thursday. The high-light of the workout was clearly doing 55 second reps, and then doing 55 push-ups. Can I get a "Yah 55!"?!?! Next week I start the circuit training session.
- Even though the price went from $10 to $15, after a few ultimate-less weeks, I needed my fix this morning. I decided to rock the black gear, cuz when you can't wear purple, black will do.
- High-light of the two hour pick-up session was getting a chance to play with so many high-caliber players. Half of the women were comp. players (including some familiar BFC faces), along with two Open guys, coach Stu (who was accompanied by the talented Sue), famed OCUA poster Steve, favorite OCUA poster DMO, and the man who thought of the team name "The Pink and Cuddly, Chainsaw Wielding, Pyshopathic Killer Buzz Bunnies - Now with 10% Less Anal Leakage": Mikey B (who's a kick ass BDU/GLUM player).
- Low-light was the first point. So get this, I volunteered to handle with one of the BFC ladies and Open player Mike. BFC lady collects, throws a pass to me in the center handler role (wtf was I doing there!?!) who bobbled it, and dropped it. Off the turn, Josh the bearded Mormon (I semi-know the guy, I can get away with that nickname) strikes break force and scores on me *sigh* Sigh.
- The cool thing about pick-up, is you get a chance to play with players you wouldn't normally get a chance to share a pitch with. Both of the Open guys complimented me on my cutting, and gave me some tips on how to cut even more effectively, and how to acheive better positioning on D. I know it's corny, but when Open guys choose to despense their wisdom to me, I take it as a huge compliment, and make sure to incorporate their points into my play. I also got a nice compliment from Stu who noted I was one of the few running in the last hour of session, and noting I was clearly in game shape (thank you KJ, Michelle, G, Pistol Pete, Go-Go Dancer Girl).
- I also found out today that another one of my co-tryoutees didn't make IAD, nor did the only other handler on my tryout squad (Pat "El-Diablo" Mackalacka). Coach Stu is back captaining an IID team, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Almighty Mahatma will see fit to put me on his team again.
- On the other hand, the talented Mikey B will be playing in IAD this winter. When I told him I didn't make it, he noted that "It's sometimes political". He also informed me that I should have show-cased my cutting ability since "you're pretty fast". I always enjoy compliments from far superior players.

Depending on how the U of O did in their game today (too lazy to check), I rather start IID and Friday late night next week, or the week after. Either way, I'm raring to go. Although there's another pick-up session in two weeks, I'm looking forward to some league play! :) Until next time, happy hucking!

Ultimate Superstar

Granted, this is no "Huck Star", but it's almost as catchy as "Happy Feet". My apologies to Love Inc. for ruining your one hit wonder.

Ultimate Superstar

Reach for the disc in the sky
Bring it down and hold it high
For this game and every other game
You're an ultimate superstar

And don't you be afraid
Think of all the D's you've made
Like any other game, you've got all the fame
You're an ultimate superstar!
You're an ultimate superstar!

Every point you give everything
Don't you know that one drop don't mean a thing at all, at all
For an ultimate superstar
You've gotta find your fancy throws
Show your opponents what every else knows
Don't let them tell to stop throwing swill, do it at will
Cause you're an ultimate superstar

If the player you are today, isn't what you wanna be
Imitate someone who dominates, I'd recommend TK or G
If you sky, if you make hot Ds, baby you'll succeed
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar

You're an ultimate superstar
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar!

Tasty Tidbits

"Wasting time
That's all you'll do if you're waiting for me
Wasting time
I don't want what you think I need"
Collective Soul - Wasting Time

Here are six ulty tidbits that are about half cooked. If this blog was the Frisbee equivalent of Tim Horton's you'd owe me a loonie ;-)

- Great to see OCUA brought back pick-up at BFP and the Hornet's Nest this winter. Too bad that they put up the price at BFP by 50%, and chose to have it on Thursday night (KJ classes) in Gloucester.
- The more people I find out are in Wednesday IID, the more I'm looking forward to a really awesome league. My only concern is that the quality of women players will be lower than last year.
- Speaking of IID, last year I signed up with "Aarmon of Steele", but this year he's playing with his wife. I asked Steve "Chowareyouonlya4inLeagueWonder" only to find out he signed up with someone this winter (but is "down for a 3-some" if Mehmet permits lol). Since I'm generally impressed with the level of male players in IID, I'm going to roll the dice and trust the Great Kamasutra to put me on a decent team. On my "wish list" for said team: one handler who I can learn from, one cutter who I can learn from, one defender I can learn from, and a captain who focuses on improvement as opposed to winning.
- Keeping track of the Capitals and GLUM at the UPAs on Friday via the score reporter was quite addictive. I was really pulling for the Ageless Wonder and GLUM to turn some heads. Congrats to GLUM for giving the eventual champs their biggest test with a 15-13 squeaker in the last game in pool play.
- Nice to see some new blood step up and claim three Board seats on OCUA. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the ultimate community, and we should all give them thanks whenever we can.
- *Polishes own horn in preparation of blowing it* Between KJ classes, Fish workout routines (soon to be increased to two a week), and my own plugging away at the gym, I've been able to increase the weight for my three sets of ten bench presses up to *deep breath* 180 lbs. Not that it makes me a better ultimate player (unless we start using a much heavier disc and are mandated to throw hammers), but it does show how much my general strength has improved over the last year (I started my reps at 100lbs…and had trouble with that).

One last bonus tidbit (think of it as a baker's half dozen).
- It was amusing to see several ultimate players' choices in Halloween costumes this past week. If memory serves, we had an angel (didn't fool anyone!), a devil, superman, a Scottsman, a go-go dancer, a suave singing telegrammer, and an uber cool 70s pimp. Psychologically speaking, makes me wonder if our playing styles relate to our costume choices?? :P

So yeah, enjoying my week off, working out lots, doing tons of physio exercises for my groin, keeping busy at work, and trying my best to get ready for indoor. I have a fun idea for a mid-next-week entry, so I'll get to work on that soon. Until next week, happy hucking!