TODA training at San Lo - March 08, 2007

by Jo

Hmmm attendance was not that good, usual addicts were there practicing their throws and doing drills on their own for strengthening and skill enhancement.

What we did:

At 730 we started the usual dynamic stretching, followed by the static stretching. Since there are only a handful who were present, girls and boys did drills together.
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25 back hands and forehands – person gets a partner and do game throws (full extension). This drills enhances muscle memory on throwing and even catching, so during the games, focus will be shifted in more important matters (i.e. focus on identifying best receiver/cutter).
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20 crunches - and for the others, more challenging abs strengthening exercise with free peep show!  leg raises with spotter :D


The lecture: TRAVELLING!!!

Conducted by the animal kingdom of TODA: Crab and Cricket  with samba chocolates for smart asses and sweet tooths!

Crab did demonstration of the different scenarios on catching the disc (although, its really hard to tell the difference, good thing there's cricks to save the day! heheh peace crab! You did a good job!)

Main points.

1. The thrower must establish a pivot foot at the appropriate spot in the field and may not change until the throw is released.-->avoid dragging your foot before the release of the throw.

2. If a player speeds up, changes direction or obviously takes more steps than are required to stop after catching a pass and before establishing a pivot, that player has traveled.

3. If a receiver is running or jumping while catching the disc, the receiver may throw a pass before the 3RD GROUND CONTACT after catching the disc without attempting to stop.


What else did we do??!?
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go-to drill forehand and backhand – player runs straight and cuts hard to the open area where the thrower gives a lead pass just within the boundaries of the cones. In this drill, we focus on the timing of our throws as well as reading the skill level of the cutter thus adjusting our throws and making them catchable. Though most of us still need to perfect this skill.
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Huck drill – handler throws the disc and there were an offensive and defensive players who went for the disc. (with sound effects c/o Jhong ninininininininininini)
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Since this is the only time I can continue this write-up, i forgot if we had some other drill after this, I just remembered el capitan ordering us to do pushups, again - and for others painful leg raises.
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The usual pick up game. Since there are only few of us, the game was mixed. i have no more memory of what happened after this… oh yeah, Dave A. didn’t come for practice, I wonder why?

“late Tuesday evening, Yakal cor P.Tamo… Dave A: Noooohhhhhh!!!!!!!”

I think that’s about it…

…of practicing and getting better

by andy

March 6, Tuesday, headed to San Lorenzo Park for our regular ultimate frisbee practices. I was looking forward for more disc throwing actions… I need to be trained on other types of throws, work on my backhand and forehand, assist and, well, score more.



Warm-up: We jogged making at least two lapses, which involved high knees jog and one sprint around the field to warm up and a couple varieties of Ultimate Frisbee as we waited for a few more people to show.

Huddle……This time around, we were gathered for the night’s lecture. Here’s what we have learned so far:

1. Focus - concentrate on every aspect of the game. Think of nothing else but the game.
2. Space – give enough space for cutting to avoid clogging.
3. Weight – learn to shift weights, on faking throws, pivoting, cutting, etc. Stay balanced.
4. Communication – learn the art of communication, through eye contact or body movement
5. Efficiency – read and catch disc with accuracy.
6. Possession – do whatever it takes to gain possession of the disc

Drills: We were paired up to do 25 forehands and backhand each. Somehow, I finally figured out my backhand throw by the way, (thanks Cricks). We also did the 3-man drill to practice our offense and defense and improve on our “game throws”. How to D: It’s basically saying “y’aarrr”, definitely what we just needed. The IHOS and the HIJAS then each had a separate drill, which is, the “Go To’ and Dump drill.

Looking at the way we do our regular drills, I figured that what we are doing is not just practicing, but actually about getting better. We look at areas to focus, identifying weaknesses and attacking them. Do some reflections on why we were not able to achieve what we yearn for and what we can change or improve to achieve that goal. It might be frustrating, but that’s what it takes to achieve greatness.

Finally, another huddle to strategize on the play, before promptly walking away to play Ulitmate Frisbee in the dark…..




:) andy