BPL players: Handlers

Hi all, second instalment of new segment on BPL players - if you missed the first with Finn, scroll down and take a look at last week.

Today's focus is on handling - there will be a few of these guys featured, but to kick if off I've asked one of the younger handlers that stand out in BPL, especially with fast disc movement, Reece "my sister can throw better than you" Stewart. 

Ads : When did you start to realise that your strength was developing as a handler? What else where you working on when figured that out? 

I started to realise I was going to be handler when I realised I wouldn't break the mythical barrier of 6". Or it have been the day that I realised that my 4 foot vertical jump was really in inches. It was Youth Nats 2009. I was one of the more experienced players on the team and was relied on to be one of the throwers on the team. I had been a cutter beforehand, like many rookies I spent a lot of time downfield before I became a handler. 

Ads: Anybody in Ultimate inspired you to become a strong handler?

Unknown to most people I believe I could be the illegitimate child to either Buzz, aL or Julz. I can rule out some via physical traits. Since I am neither lanky nor injury prone and I don't throw Forehand bladey bullets, I am not Julz's son. Secondly due to my, as Gio would say, 'petite' bum, I am not aL's son. Which leaves only one. But seriously, all of these guys have some characteristic that I want. Julz has the best shot taking options I have ever seen, whatever he threw it was the right option. aL has the around backhand break, that I am still have not obtained. Buzz has all the throws is nearly impossible to stop. 

Ads: If you think about some of the general characteristics of some of the best handlers or their game, what are the similarities?

 A variety of release points. Buzz and Jmac both vary their release point on each throw, it makes it crazy hard to stop them from getting what they want.

 Quick disc movement. BW and Gary both keep the disc moving around the field. It makes it hard for the marker to keep the force as well as the guarder to stay in the right position for downfield D. 

But the biggest killer, something that all of these players can do, is break a mark. 

Ads: Who in BPL makes it bloody hard to throw well when they’re on the mark?

 Coops has fast hands and is eyes are so soft, they're distracting. Myall's feet have blocked a fair few of my throws. Both of these guys are active while marking, but not overly active to the point of biting on open throws. 

Ads: Who are some of the best players to be at the end of one of your hucks, who wouldn't always be in the limelight (i.e. Pete, Gref et).

Dan 'the Man' Mammel is my weapon of choice. The guy has gotten slower over the off-season, but that just makes it layout grabs even more spectacular. I could name the whole Cobras team, those guys are dope. Mat Ryan is always a competitor and has the hops to mix it with the big guys. Two others are Wallsy and Watto, those guys make some huge plays when their team needs it, plus who doesn't like an albino with a thumber? 

Ads: Who are some of the other BPL players who would rate as fantastic handlers? Any younger players that you can see doing well in the future?

BW is definitely the next me or was I the next BW, or are we both the next Buzz? Being the rock for UQ has made BW such a better player. He's the deep in their zone D, how does that even work?! Along with his quick disc movement BW is a force to be reckoned with. Also to mention, some of the kids I've seen at while coaching for Met North school sports. Those kids are keen and love playing, hopefully they'll becoming through the system soon, if not in a few years. 

Ads: Any advice to some of the less experienced guys trying to develop as a handler?

Like everyone else throw, throw and then throw some more, often. I always see Myles throwing in the Great Court and his throws have improved dramatically from it. You need to do something repeatedly for your body to maintain muscle memory, throwing is no different. Also break the mark as soon and as often as you can, it destroys defence.

Ads: Thanks Reece, awesome.