Third instalment of the BPL players segment - check our Reece and Finn in previous posts. This week, we have Chris 'Spesh' Davis on the line. Although he's one of the fittest guys running around Ultimate, he works at 110% whenever the disc is around. He's my pick for one of the hardest running mid-receivers, chasing (and often laying out) for anything that even smells like a disc. Also, he wins the award for best advice for a male ultimate player in this segment - see last sentence.
Ads: When did you start to realise that your strength was
developing as a receiver? What else where you working on when figured that out?
I first started playing ultimate
in my first year of uni (although not because of O-Week or girls) while still
playing footy, athletics, swimming & triathlon. The latter three have
since fallen by the wayside, but I have always been attracted to things with a
sense of physical accomplishment. Ultimate was no different. I
rocked up to my first game having NEVER thrown a disc and relied on 80 minutes
of run both on O & D. Having no disc skills there wasn't much point
me sitting behind the disc; but rather there it is, go chase it. Ever
since the early days I have always known that my disc skills need to improve,
however I have always had a higher endeavour to improve my cutting efficiency,
timing and sharpness of turns.
Ads: Anybody in Ultimate inspired you to work at running at
the disc so hard?
A lot of the work ethic has been
driven from years and years of football. If you don't run hard at the
ball your opponent will either knock you off the contest or beat you to the
ball. Naturally I approached ultimate the same way. Knowing the disc
won't randomly decide to change direction 90 degrees and waste your run gives
me real confidence to back myself in no matter what. In the early days
back in Adelaide Matt Ward (read, early days :-)) & Rian Dutch led the way
on offense and taught me a lot of what I know. I also knew the feeling of
laying out past someone for a big D and knew that that wasn't something which I
want to happen to me. On a wider scale all of the Asian teams I have ever
seen (either online or in person), know they can't win with height so they do
it on the ground, through speed, agility and a desire to get the disc.
These are the games I love the most, a real fast, man O & D dogfight.
Ads: If you think about some of the general characteristics of
some of the best receivers or their game, what are the similarities?
To be the best, you have to know
you're the best. The top receivers know they are the key target and
demand the disc. They will get themselves in the right position through
skill & timing, or they will force their way into a good position through
voice and gut running. This isn't to say they don't work in with team
structures, but after the initial 3 cuts, they will continue to be anywhere and
everywhere on the field. A lot of this, as I mentioned comes through timing
and an ability to read the play. They can see cuts developing three or
four passes in advance and get themselves to the right position to receive
accordingly. There are plenty of receivers who don't look overly quick or
athletic but have an ability to get the disc through their read of the play.
They all also have a great read on the disc once it's in the air, clean
hands and some solid throws to back it all up.
Ads: Who in BPL makes it bloody hard to get the disc when
they’re on defense and picked you up?
It probably fits with him being
labelled one of the best defenders, but Finn is bloody tough. He is quick
off the mark, the right amount of aggressive and won't ever drift in
and out of the game. Finn will also be a brutal matchup for you when you cut
deep because he has a bit more size than people give him credit for. Cola
is equally agile and tops it off with a tough mark when you do get the disc.
It's the players who remain switched on for the whole game are the
toughest. Likewise, players who allow you an easy cut somewhere (open
side, deep for example) are the ones which can be easily exploited with a bit
of footwork and change of angle.
Ads: Who are some of the players you love receiving the disc
from – those people who can make your cuts the most effective?
Pretty much anyone who throws the
disc in my direction. There is nothing more heartbreaking than making a
good cut only to get looked off for a 40/60 deep option. I think this is
where new players can often get down on themselves also and often is
what takes away the enthusiasm and hard run of your downfield receivers.
My mate in Adelaide Sean Lace was one of my favourites; not only did he
give you the disc almost every time, but he also followed it up with an
enthusiastic run to get the dishy back from you. If I can gain ground I
will give the dishy every time, doesn't bother me if I don't throw
forwards all game. As for Queensland; JMac can hit you pretty much
wherever you run (provided he's actually on field and not injured). Coops
is another who will always give you the under. No matter what the stall
count, he'll keep his peripheral and can see you streaking towards him even if
he's targeting elsewhere on the field.
Ads: Who are some of the other BPL players who would rate as
fantastic mid field receivers? Any younger players that you can see doing well
in the future?
If he decided to specialise
Jangles would be pretty handy, especially given he has some throws once he gets
the disc in hand. Beans is probably the player I see most similar to
myself, willing to hit the deck and doesn't mind playing with a bit of
physicality when attacking a disc or making a turn on your cut. Dan
Mammel and George are also notable mentions. As for the up and comers,
keep your eye on Craig Behrendorfffffff. He has the speed and is starting
to develop the game reading ability required to reach the next step. He
just has to take out a careless drop or two ;-) There is also one or two
of the Lovers boys who I have no idea on their names who could end up quite
handy, they're pacy and know their limits (well, they do at the moment, let's
reevaluate when they get some more disc skills!)
Ads: Any advice to some of the less experienced guys trying to
develop as a great receiver?
If you ever find yourself out of
position or don't get the disc after two or three repeated cuts, reset yourself
short & in the middle of the field. Take a pass or two to re-evaluate
the situation and begin again. Receiving the disc is 90% timing
and this is crucially important. Also do not underestimate both sides of
the field. Just because your defender is standing on the open side of the
field, work them, make them turn their head and get yourself open for an easy
catch. If that doesn't come off, utilise the breakside where your thrower
can have a wide space to hit you in. Finally, never EVER give up on a
disc. Wind can do funny things, as can a pack of players. Even when
the disc is looking like hitting the ground and you're still 5-10 metres away,
give the layout a shot. You can get a lot closer than you probably
imagine. Don't think about the ground, the defender, the graze you're
gonna take home to your mum; think about the disc. Ultimately if you make
that catch, scores of women will love you forever, because we all know chicks
dig layout burns.
Haha "decided to specialise"? I am confused and amused by this comment.
ReplyDeleteJangles refer to: JOATMON
ReplyDelete