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!