BPL players: Defense

Hi guys, 

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.

Other than the practical skills the best defenders love the contest, enjoy been given any match up and always learn from every contest. The biggest tip is to understand that the offence always has the upper hand and your opponent will get the disc but ensure that when they do it is pressured and in keeping with the team plan. That being said, when a disc is up and contestable you need to win it. If you are beaten learn from it and not get beaten the same way twice.

Ads: thanks Finn, nice work.