Hi, my name is John Pohl. I play on the Black Lung Masters Team, so yes, I'm one of the "old guys". I write with a bias toward the more competitive side of Ultimate, but with the idea of improving ones fundamental play in general. So, here is a question.
Question: What is worse than getting beat on a cut by your opponent?
Answer: Not learning from the experience!
Ultimate is a game of simple repetition, the throws, cuts and marks are fundamental skills you can develop slowly or quickly. Each skill has factors that can help you improve you skill level! Concentrating on YOUR play is the biggest factor on how quickly you can improve YOUR game.
In ultimate you need not be the fastest, tallest or smartest to be an Outstanding
Player! Athleticism is nice, but skill level can balance the field! Here is an easy way to improve your throwing skills - improve your footwork!
Footwork is a big factor on each player's throws. Obviously, it is easier to throw without a defensive marker, so it will be easier to throw if you can create
separation between yourself and a defensive marker.
Experienced players rarely think about or practice their footwork because they
have mastered the skills of pivoting (or at least think they have ;-) Many new players have a more difficult time in "actual game play" because their footwork must be consciously thought out after a catch. This will impact their throwing
which may already be rather tentative in a game situation. Add a 10 second stall count, shouts of DUMP and a desire to not to create a turnover, and new players often feel a lot of real pressure after a catch.
The standard response from experienced players is generally "think basketball"
unfortunately, this usually doesn't help much!
So: Consciously practice you pivoting footwork during warm-up throws. By establishing your pivot foot and throwing, you will gain confidence as you catch the disc during games. As you improve, incorporate a fake and/or a pivot to a different throw. Start slow and add speed as you feel more comfortable with the movements.
Finally, take turns with a partner soft marking each other during warm-up throws, this 10-15 minute exercise may provide a new player more throwing/marking experience than you would receive in a 2 hour game!
If you're going to show up and warm up anyway, why not improve your game every time you do! Confidence in your footwork will help to open up your throws and allow you to concentrate on the hard part of ultimate - Decision Making.
Hope you'll consider incorporating this into your warm-up!
JP