Fish Tales

Wildwood is physically, fiscally and emotionally draining but it sure is a good party. 3 and 3. Individually and collectively we've sure had a lot of 50/50 split tournaments. A function of our continued growth and years of struggle with consistency I guess. On that note, Doober's thoughts on ow my knee are pretty on point.

Still working on being a real handler. The main struggle at this point is the constant focus it takes. Realizing how much you need to be constantly on point to keep the offense moving. In the microcosm, that means using proper form for every throw, knowing what kind of throw to use, and the field vision to see the entire field to accurately determine which cuts are really open. In the macrocosm, it means constantly providing an option to the offense. Its obvious to anyone who plays with me that I have a hard time focusing as a handler, although by the end of ow my knee I was wandering off deep a lot less. Can't beat tournaments for the learning experience.

Used to think the game will evolve past the need for handlers. Have a lot of thoughts about that but to be honest I'd rather eat a pbj and fall asleep.

Game to Three

Had our first full team game of the season in a couple of scrimmages with Albany Destructors. Both teams struggled on offense with multi turnover points being the theme of the early game. We traded momentum for the first half and ended up with a final score of 15 - 13, maybe. Have it written down somewhere.

We came out swinging in the second game but some offensive miscues buried us for a final score of 9 - 6 in the short game. All in all, I think we put better defensive pressure across the board, but they got their offense cycling better than we did 60% of the time and that made the difference. We also had a few instances where the mark would get broken over and over in the same point leading to easy goals, and while we gave as good as we got that is inexcusable. Don't get broken! We all did, at one point or another.

The team is looking strong especially considering we have not played full team ultimate until today. Ow My Knee will be our first big test - today we achieved our goals of subbing deeply and not tilting, and everyone should have a good idea of what position they will be playing. We need to carry those themes into a weekend long tournament and magic will get made.

Been thinking a lot about the concept of playing within oneself. We struggled today when people tried to force throws and make plays beyond their ability. A big goal for us will be (as Doober said) transitioning a bunch of selfish college all stars into (as Chetti said) the kind of machine - like consistent offense necessary to succeed at the club level.

On a personal note, I played pretty okay defense and only got beat deep a few times, after getting taken to the cleaners and losing 50/50 balls last practice. Something clicked. On the other hand, there were a few points, particularly going up wind against the zone, where I either did not provide a consistent dump option or just ran around senselessly.

Gotta work on setting the dump early and often (always) and making purposeful concise moves.

Also, fitness.

And I want to know my fate if I keep up this way

Certainly burning the candle at both ends at camp this year. It has been incredibly rewarding so far, but the nature of the beast is that my time is limited and art is on the back burner, although thesis ideas are springing up as I'd hoped they would.

On that note, I have not figured out how to juggle camp work, the camp social scene and working out, so that will be the project for the coming week. More sleep is needed, or maybe better sleep?

Pushups are going well, sprint work is needed. Also probably just running in general.

The camp team is disinterested and summer league is a distant memory. Fortunately, we are about to hit the meat of the club season. Unfortunately, I'm not ready yet. Wake up call, brrrrinnng bring.

Gotta get sparks flying at the scrimmage this weekend. Excited.

Better be a monster.

OH ALSO

What I meant to say about camp is that coaching is the best. I've been working on breaking the game down into the bare bones essentials, both in training the camp team and teaching kids to play. It is paying off for us and should pay dividends during the fall season. Teaching throwing has never been easier.

I want to coach youth ultimate.