I wanted to start a small segment on the BPL blog about
BPL players: but instead of ‘where did you come from and what have you done’ Ultimate
interview, I wanted to focus on something that can actually make people think
about the game and their part on the field, instead of just a nice story. It might be from a solid Handler, or words on Zone from a Master, or the dude who blocks you every game. I've got all types of players lined up for some questions, today features one of the best defensive runners in BPL, Finn 'Hipster' McCarthy.
Ads: When did you start to realise that your strength was
going to become defense? What else where you working on when figured that out?
Interesting question, in university I decided early on to
play Ultimate. Play Uni disc meant I only really had game play as experience
and no formal training. I then found myself trying out for the South Australian
Rep team. My lack of training exposed my skill sets were in fitness, catching
and an understanding the game. However, getting open, throwing and patience
with the disc was not my strength.
D team was my game.
However, when I figured out that I was a good defensive
player was when I was given bigger match ups and expected to win them and often
did. Around the same time I was playing soccer and was moved from an attacking
player to a defensive one and thrived – as a matured as a player in both in
soccer and Ultimate I began to read the play better, a key skill for a
defender.
Ads: Anybody in Ultimate inspired you to become a strong
defensive player?
In my early years I learnt my craft from Rian ‘Santa’
Dutch then from Brett ‘Sweet as’ Middleton. Yet, these guys are tall defensive
receivers and I’m not quite that tall. When I was perfecting my way of playing
defensive I looked a players like Johno Holmes and Chris Cunliffe both tall
however they can play on anybody and get the job done. That and, they both have
the ability to make things happen when the team needs them.
Ads: If you think about some of the general characteristics of
some of the best defensive players or their game, what are the similarities?
All Great players all have great agility, pace, good
hops, good read of the disc and instinct to layout when needed. Great D players
have something more; mongrel and ability to read the game. Mongrel is the
desire for the disc that gets you to more contests than others and reading the
game is about knowing when you need to change your style.
A great defender will get beaten but never the same way twice.
Ads: Who in BPL is bloody hard to defend against?
John ‘Cheese’ McNaughton – great fakes, always wants the
disc, can throw and receive big goals.
Myall Hingee – Constantly moving, impressive turn of
speed and has some serious hops.
And the hardest, Mike Neild – fast, huge leaps and can do
some very special things.
Ads: Who are some of the other BPL players who would rate as
tough defenders?
Chris Cunliffe – even with a broken back still gets to
most contests and more than willing to layout through anyone, he also has a
great mark.
Dan Mammel – tough to get away from and you’ll struggle
to beat him in the air.
Bryan ‘Dan 2’ Grundy – big guy, massive hands and just a
D machine.
One to watch; Myles McCallum – just learning his craft.
Ads: Any advice to some of the less experienced guys, trying
to become better on defence?
The best way to improve is to ensure that you are always
making it harder for your opponent. This includes; not letting them run
directly at the disc, forcing them wide, ensure they have to make multiple
cuts, giving them space where you want them to go, contest every disc, never
miss a chance to layout and finally read the play.
Ads: thanks Finn, nice work.
I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, Thanks
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