2v2

Threw around yesterday for a couple hours with Jon Lin and Lu Wang. Today, in another attempt to prevent skill atrophy, we got together and roped in one of the new co-captains of Watchung to throw with us. After some throwing, we did some jump-ball skying; I was satisfied to sky both Jon (Watchung's historic deep-deep) and Lu (a known deep threat) several times. Really, I was able to get position on them--both are taller, and I'm not known for my hops. I skied the kid, too, but that was less of an accomplishment.

After a while, we played 2v2, make it take it, half stall count, 20x25yd field with 5yd endzones, games to 3. Ridiculously difficult. After two games, you're toast, especially if there are a lot of turnovers. There were a lot of turnovers. Occasionally, a team would score three in a row with only 5 or 6 passes, but it was easy to misjudge the distance to the goal and overthrow your receiver--it makes a case for shortening the endzones in team practices, in order to teach control. The other common turnover was miscommunication with a receiver trying to fake out his defender. The most effective strategy was to make comeback cuts over and over (which the defender will often give up to protect the endzone) until somebody can break free for a floaty pass.

It really makes me reconsider the old give-and-go team strategy. When Watchung ran into trouble, my senior year, Lu and I would often push the stack back and work the disc up ourselves. I've always thought that if you could get a team of guys who were excellent at working the disc 2 or 3 at a time, you could dictate the defense's options. It is very difficult to contain an isolated player who has a competent thrower and tons of space to work with.