Saturday, April 9, 2011

Sunday Training

Weather permitting, we are going to attempt a training session tomorrow afternoon 10th April at 3:30 at Oakman Park. As we have not trained in a while I'm not sure if we can use cleats and if the venue is free? If Oakman is not playable I propose we try Moore Park in Indooroopilly.

Oakman at 3:30 or Moore Park if you are late and noone is at Oakman.

Bring a black and white, water bottle, caps, fun.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Skill of the week- Reading Spin

Have you ever found that you have perfect positioning, your defender is two metres behind you, you're calm and focused, you attempt a one handed catch and it simply bounces out of your hand?

Have you ever found that you don't expect to catch a disc, but you throw a hand out anyway, and the disc just seems to stick in your hand?

Most of the time this has to do with which direction the disc is spinning.  Learning to read how the disc is spinning is as important as learning how to read the flight of the disc, and this post will be dealing with how to do just that.

First of all, when catching (and especially one handed) you need to stop two forces, the linear force, and the rotational force.  To catch a spinning disc one handed, you need to catch it at the back (to stop the linear force) and on the side of the disc spinning toward you (to stop the rotational force). It is, actually, that simple. Here's a diagram to help visual people:





So how do you know which way the disc is spinning? Regardless of whether someone is lefthanded/right handed, or throwing forehand or backhand, the disc will always spin toward the thrower.  If you go out and watch someone throwing, you'll see what I mean.

One of the very best things about learning to read spin is that once you get it, you don't have to actively think about it when throwing.  You will automatically adjust your catches to cater for how it is spinning.  Spend an intensive few throwing sessions practicing to read spin and catch the disc one handed, and you'll be amazed at how your catching improves.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Heroes at Nationals from an (insider's) outsider perspective.

HUC had a truly outstanding representation at Nationals across a number of teams.  Given I was able to play with and against a few of you, I thought I'd give a brief review of what I saw.

Quoll
Dan and Gavin acquitted themselves in outstanding manner with the Tassie team.  They both slotted seamlessly into the structure of Quoll and had a number of critical and inspiring moments on both O and D.  Dan was his usual irrepressible self, constantly cutting hard and going for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th efforts.  Dan took a crucial layout grab backing up for a poor throw, and Quoll went on to score the point.  Gavin similarly had fantastic positioning throughout the weekend, with very solid throwing and catching.  Although an injury slowed him down in a few games, a standout moment was a great read and top-of-the-jump D off a threatening throw.

Firestorm Ignition
Playing for 15th was a fierce and competitive game, and I got to see a few Heroes in action that I hadn't seen before.  Jamie had a great game, taking a number of fantastic grabs and getting a D or two at critical moments. His talent is very clear and it will be good to watch him become a superstar. Adam Dowley was solid in handling and a lynchpin of Ignition's attack.  Safe hands at the back with reliable throws, it's great to see Adam at HUC.
Sebastian continues to improve every time I see him play and this was no exception.  He took two super grabs that I can recall, one a full stretch layout to score.  In this game, Sebastian's confidence and assuredness was the most improved aspect of his game.
Although I was often too busy grinding my teeth to notice the opposition, I do recall Chris using his super-leap and hands of iron to take a screamer of a one-handed catch above a pack of friend and foe alike, all of whom where comparatively standing still.
Super-sub Carl came on for a point, and I had the pleasure of marking him.  Ignition scored, and I didn't shut Carl down well enough, so he takes the points on that one. Apparently two stuffed ankles trumps a tweaked hamstring.

The Betties
To my chagrin and disappointment, I didn't get to watch any of the Heroes girls playing at Nationals.  The feedback I got was they enjoyed themselves and got a lot out of it. I'd love to hear more from those who played/watched.

It is great to see so many HUC players out and about at national tournaments.  I can't wait for more!

(apologies to anyone I missed)

Monday, April 4, 2011

AO vs Tsunami Match Report

Well given that Nationals is done and dusted it seems that there is a bit more time to grab a hold of. That means more blogging. No doubt there will be numerous posts regarding Nats on the various blog sites we link to, and hopefully one or two on the HUC site, but for now I offer you a brief match report from our Div 2 BUML game.

Now as is the case with the other two Heroes BUML teams we had a number of players backing up from Nats and surprisingly none were tired/slow but rather excited to have another game, including myself with a badly strained knee that restricted me to 50% pace and an awkwardly painful limp. We were however missing Bev and Em to illness and Sam (with good results in his school's cross country today) to study. Recognising only a handful of faces in Tsunami I was not expecting the level of play that they brought. Every player on their team seemed very confident with the disc which was wonderful to see given they are a majority of beginners. Because of this they started strong and it took a while for us to get right in the game. Eventually we were hitting our strides as a team using both unders and longs effectively. Dstrel played an excellent game with dynamic handling and front of stack movement. Vanessa beat her girl every time providing easy options for the handlers, and ate up every disc - high, low, whatever. Emily S scored a brilliant goal (her first I think). Alex looked comfortable with his field presence and was getting the disc often because of this. He was also putting the force on the right side every time without having to stop and think about it! At half time we set a goal of not letting our man get free when on D and as a team we achieved this, which was my personal highlight of the game. Because we played at UQ it was a disappointingly shorter game, with the final result 11-7 to Tsunami.

One thing the shorter game did bring about was the desire for more Disc. Almost unanimously the team cried out in our post game debrief for Sunday training.

Friday, March 25, 2011

YEA! we got one

With the talk about this Heroes BPL team needing to stand up and play this year, the boys finally put the training and skills learnt over the summer to use. We faced the under strength black cobras (minus tracthor and Calain) and after winning the toss and starting on o we went on a 5 or so to nil run on the snakes. In fact I dont remember much about this game, having been rendered to a concussion by Reeces right shoulder (straight to my chin). I think the half time score was 8-1. After half cobras picked up their game and started hucking away (Reece to finn) to make some scores. Infact they went on a 5 point run to come back to within 2. Heroes managed to keep this 2 point lead to eventually win on time cap 11-9 (not really sure, I had a sore head)

Promising moments was Adam Dowley on defensive, seeing him completely horizontal but other than that, I really tuned out with a thumping headache. Anyone feel like I missed anything, comment away.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Why Heroes Men Should See Some Finals Action This Season

With my new role over at the BUB, I've had little to post Heroes-centric sentiment on the interwebs. So here it is.

The punters are saying we're going to finish 4th (Stefan, Gref). This is despite winning 1 game in our last 2 seasons. With 9/12 of our boys training with Firestorm, it's fair to expect vast improvement this season. With 2 losses out of 2 on the board and Dojo looming, one could say that we haven't had the best start to the season.

However, Dojo, Bugs and Slamtown seem set to carry on their merry way to a Top 3 finish (probably in that order). So how are we to secure the fourth spot and get our first taste of finals action?

I would suggest that we have to win 4 games minimum. Heroes must beat the largely unknown Cobras in round 4 and again in round 9. The Cobras haven't proven anything yet, beating the new kids on the block 15-1, but bowing out in quick-time against the Dojo Mojo, 15-5 after being in a 5-5 headlock. Their performance in Round 3 against the Buggers will be worth keeping an eye on.

The other team to beat twice is Los Bandidos, who have shown improvement after their embarassing start, with a better scoreline of 9 - 15 against the Bugs. We come up against them for the first time after Nationals, which is a dangerous time, with Heroes having 10 players playing at Nationals. We face them again in the last round, and they will no doubt be well improved by this stage.

Is 4 wins enough? If we beat those teams twice, one of them will have to beat two top 3 teams to challenge. Beating one of the top 3 would mean big things for Heroes. I believe that with all players available and on our game, we are capable of beating anyone. How long will it take for us to gel?

This is, of course, a lot of speculation. But it's fun. For now, it's the old cliche of one week at a time. We've gotta be hungry for that first win in a long time. We have a chance to prove our depth next week when we come up against the Giants from Dojo.

Slamtown

Thursdays game saw the Heroes take the line against the big shooting slamming flatballers from the coast.
After last weeks lack lustre performance, the green machine came out with a strong will to bring the intensity and when we got a turn over on the first point from a (insert) wayward stef throw, we capitalised and put in the end zone for 1-0. Then throughout the first half the game was relatively even with slamtown breaking us to take a 2 point lead at half. However the difference between the two teams was the initial pull on the point. I cant remember how many times we turned the disc over in our own half (and endzone) because of a great pull and chase, clamming us inside the endzone with our stack not realising it, and being to deep. With Adam out our handling line was a bit weaker and the gold coast zone worked well for the most part. BUT as soon as we broke that cup, I think slamtown will agree we walked all over them to score freely (for those 7 times.. ) But still and yes this sounds lame the score line didnt reflect how hard the game was played, with our game finishing last of the three and with one memorable 10min point. On a positive note defensively we didnt let the orange 'shooters' loose and kept the D fairly tight all evening. As soon as we stop shooting ourselves in the foot with dumb turnovers (myself included) Heroes will start putting wins on the board.
As ever this season theres no 'easy' games with most teams being able to turn up on their day and win. Next week is no different when Heroes vs the well lubricated machine that is Dojo Mojo.
Memorable moments for the game was Ye Old brown town connection being ever sweet as usual. OH AND... James getting skied by probably the shortest man in the league, Danny. Well done dan. In comparison its like thisguy in red beating this guy in blue (wait is that a Red Vs Blue reference!?!)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Bunker Specialty Coffee and Chocolate

The Heroes Ultimate Club is pleased to announce their new supporter - Bunker Specialty Coffee.

For those who have not yet experienced the likes of this fine establishment - we strongly encourage you to do so. Furthermore, we are giving out an "Above and Beyond" Award in association with Bunker (consisting of a delightful free coffee/chocolate for 2) to players who give outstanding performances in teams that we play against in all Brisbane Ultimate Leagues. So make sure you bring your A-game to your next BUML, BPL or Women's League match against a team from the Heroes Club (Starts tonight!).

The Vice.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Secret Intel

Every once and a while the incredible Huc picks up intel on the happenings of local runabouts. This time a rather large wad of paper just got sent over my desk, which can only mean one thing - its a big news story.

I can only divulge certain parts of this Intel. What I can tell you is that the Heroes Ultimate Club has launched a fantastic new website. Check it out here

When you re there be sure to register to the website and you ll gain all sorts of great members area stuff. and Discussion forums just to name a few...

Diligent readers may note, why have a website when you've got a great blog?? Well its like this...
Cause we can, so we do - alright!
More accurately the website is for HUC members and the blog is dedicated to the engagement of Brisbane ultimates greatest past time, you guessed it - smack talk.
Now you've got yet another site to check (Pallen, you will be pleased...)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sunday Fris!

Hey Heroes

This Sunday, regular Heroes training is NOT on. This is because we as a club are supporting the Moorooka come and try day that Nat and Rob have organised. There are a few amongst us that have volunteered to help coaching from 2-3pm, and also some of us that are going to be playing in the "exhibition match" from 4-5pm.

If you are interested in playing in this game, please register yourselves to one of the two teams on www.afda.com. Could players playing in this match please also be on time, perhaps get there at 3:30 or a bit before.

There is also a free sausage sizzle at 5!

Important Points:
When - Sun 6th March, ~3-5:30pm.
Where - Moorooka State School
How - Register on afda to play on a team.

Thanks,
Seb

Friday, February 25, 2011

Sunday Fris!

Did you play in the Savage 7's tournament and are still hungry for more weekend frisbee? Come on down to Oakman Park this Sunday afternoon from 3:30pm onwards for a throw, some practice, and a pick-up game.

Please note - no cleats are to be worn on Oakman Park until further notice. This may have an impact on the training we do and we will probably have to play barefeet.

See you all Sunday!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Legs Eleven in the BPL

With the raft of BPL teams coming out and announcing their not-so-secret line ups for the 2011 league, we here in the secret den thought we should get our act together and do the same.

This season the incredible HUC held a selection camp for interested parties to come and play BPL. It seems as though with only 5 teams in the league this time round, spots may have come harder than some had initially thought...
Without further adue the Heroes BPL team for this season is:

Adam 'Jangles' Beu 
Matt 'Old' Boevink
Carl 'hurt himself'  Behrendorff
Christopher 'Cez' Brown
sebastian 'ranga' brown    
Adam 'aDs' Dowley
Christopher 'foxxy' Fox
Myall 'ride his bike everywhere' Hingee
James 'Panties' Morrell
Bevan 'Darryl' Rudolph
George 'Silent' Salisbury  
Daniel 'the' Strelan

With a total of 9 players going to national’s and 10 (if you count the experience of Old Boevink) this seasons Heroes are not here to make up numbers anymore. With hard training over the break, Heroes have been tipped by some outsiders to ruffle some feathers of the other teams.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Liquid Training

BUML is rained out tonight so come down to Archive (http://www.archivebeerboutique.com.au/ 100 Boundary St, West End) for some liquid training. They used to run a darts comp on Monday nights, as well as $10 burgers - not sure if they still do but food is relatively well priced anyway. Arrive from 7pm. Bring friends/partners/potential recruits/whatever...

Pool tables and smack talk.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Sunday Fris!

This Sunday some of us will be away at Regionals in Townsville. However, this is no reason to stop the regular practice sessions on a Sunday afternoon. Come on down to Oakman Park for a 3:45 - 4pm start, bring a light and a dark shirt for the chance of some pick-up and enjoy! If there is someone that would like to lead a drill/focussed practice please leave a comment below, if not, the afternoon will be fairly casual, relaxed, and of course, heaps of fun!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Sunday Fris!

Frisbee is back for the year and as the fields around Brisbane are being mown and the league teams are being finalised, the Heroes Sunday afternoon training/pick-up has also returned. I think there may be some Heroes men going at it from 3pm (confirm/deny?) but for those keen to have a run and a throw this Sunday come down at 3:45 and we'll get a pick-up game going between 4 and 4:30.

Bring your black and whites, drink bottle, and good spirits.

See you all there!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ultileaks

Sensei Stephen Cameron has not been seen by the ultimate community, not even his closest students. Mr Colangelo is reported to have said at a Heroes event "No one has seen him since the BPL final... I don't know what's going to happen next season". Perhaps this is why Cola was spotted training with the Green Martians on Sunday afternoon at Oakman Park.


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The team rumoured to be named Gref's All-stars is likely to see a name change. The All-Chumps are likely to register a team of rookies, using BPL as a training ground for Uni games later this year. Contrary to popular rumour, this team will not include the African-American Rapper, Chris Brown.

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SFC player JoelE has signed a deal with the Gold Coast Suns. He joins a prestigious group of cross-code experiments, including Carmichael Hunt, Israel Foloua and Leroy Loggins and Shane Warne. During the summer months, Joel will be bowling spin for Australia. Although physically suited to pace bowling, and despite never having played cricket at a representative level, Chairman of Selectors Andrew Hilditch is believed to announce shortly, that "He may as well give it a crack".

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Firestorm

Congratulations to our club-men who made Firestorm A. In particular, Jamie, who steps up to join the likes of Myall, George, (Nathan), Cola and Jangles.

Also commendable, the Firestorm B guys, who have made a big commitment to training (especially Sebastian, are you still at 100% attendance?). Adam, Sauce, Bevan, Carl, Cease, Sebastian.

Go FIRE and Go Heroes in 2011!!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

So you think you would look good in Green...

.. we'll see about that.

Word is out and here is confirmation - Heroes will be running try-outs for BPL at 2:45/3pm - 6pm at Oakman, Sunday Feb 6th & 13th.

The rumour mill is churning. Will we see the return of World's Players - Silent and Myall? Have the Heroes made any star recruits? Will any Cobra's players turn up unexpectedly.. Are we ever going to see Tom Naulty's face again?

For those trying out, arrive by 2:45 for a warm-up and start at 3pm. If you are available for selection and can't make it, please send apologies to danielstrelan@gmail.com

Friday, January 28, 2011

Sunday Pickup

Will be on at Oakman, 3:30pm. Bring light & dark.

Is this venue OK?

Dan

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Legs Eleven Heating Up

Oh yeah!! I played some beach ultimate on the weekend and it was so sweet!

Sunday, 30th Jan, training will resume at 3:30pm. Venue is TBA, as Firestorm may have an engagement at Oakman.

Sunday, Feb 6 & 13 will be training for selection for BPL Heroes, details coming soon.

Summary of Beach Ultimate:

A team of Heroes who had mostly never played ultimate on the beach were pooled up against some very strong competition, BUD - the kids from Byron who were mostly conceived on the beach, and Venturing North, a bunch of Dirty Mexicans (Southerners) who had travelled to the GC with the intention of being selected for Worlds 2011 in Italy.

Running on the beach was hard, and at first it seemed like a daft idea. Hitting the deck seemed to be the only kindness. Hucking was largely futile, and required extra preciscion to float the disc on the wind. Anything with too much zing would sail off into the distance.

We went down in competitive fashion to BUD in the first match, before being slaughtered by Venturing North, only just managing to keep the budgey smugglers and bikinis on (we scored 1 point). VN could run on the beach, and so they got away from us.

After our first 2 games, we had about 3 hours break. We came out refreshed and with extra Rudolph, of the Bevan Stuart variety, and really stuck it to Undulate. I believe we were up 4-0, with a lot of fast passing and give go. Notty didn't like being down, so they put a zone on us and clawed their way back, taking the half, and eventually the game. I remember lying in the sand at the end of the game, feeling my heart pounding way too fast, and then realising we had another game.

The final game was fittingly played against Rhubarb Scoundrels, the team that Steph had put together, a mix of Heroes and French Speakers. It was a lot of fun to play against the likes of Cola, Starkey, Baker and Steph (did I miss any Heroes?), and to beat them by 2 points ;). I remember some amazing layout D's from Bev and James (with good marker pressure from Yours Truly). I can remember great moments from everyone.

Chantelle - great overhead grabs
Brianna - great low one-hand saves
Sebastian - beautiful saliing puts
James - laying out for everything, especially that last paddlin'
Jo - excellent cutting and high grabs
Sophie - best pickup, but mostly for solid, aggressive handling
Izzie - great cuts all day
Dan - handler cuts and hand block
Adelia - knee layouts!
Trevor - brief pickup, strong handling
Sean - calm handling and big D's
Bevan - playing extra hard on D, especially on Cola, and hucking

if I missed anyone, it's me not you.

Go Ultimate!