Ron Kubalanza
When I hear the “up” call I try to spot the disc, briefly and without giving
up any more ground.
I need to ascertain if it has truly gone up, and if it is intended for the
player I am now chasing. If both of these things are true, then I try to make
some quick calculations based on what type of throw has been made.
-
If it is low or short, I can simply go to it and have position underneath.
-
If it is high, I need to catch up and try to establish a good position to jump at it. Ideally, it is a position where the player I am defending can’t get a running leap at the disc, or a position where the player I am defending has to foul me to make a play.
-
If the throw is long, I have to assess if I can make up the ground, to establish the position I just described, or try and sell my angle as to draw the player I am defending off his line, or now to defend me. (This could also be a strategy for high throws).
Also, as I am running through this situation I am aware, or try to be, of
where any help could be coming from. Likely: nowhere, since we were in the
back of the stack. However, if my player’s in cut was “in” enough, I will have
some support deep.
I think you have a better chance to make the play or have them miss it if they
are less athletic. If they are more athletic, I would probably force more
under and try to block the away cut. I don’t think the force matters too much,
except where you might look as the “up” call happens as it will limit the some
throwers options.
Ron Kubalanza
I am not sure what equivalent talent is but you simply have more options in a
HORIZONTAL stack and the cutters are generally all closer to the ball. This is
important because all four cutters are options, in and out, almost
simultaneously. Additionally, using the field as 4 cutting lanes as opposed to
two, for seasoned cutters is easier. The problem is most cutters don’t know
what they are doing. I think you need to play a lot of Vertical stack to learn
how to cut. You must have an understanding of two lanes before you can have
four. You must learn to cut for your self (Vertical is a very selfish system)
before you can cut for your team. Sure you make space for your teammates by
cutting and clearing in a Vertical, but every time you cut you are trying to
get open and get a pass. Some cuts in a HORIZONTAL are not designed to get a
pass on that throw, but maybe a few throws later.
Generally, in high wind you want receivers closer to you. If you have dominant
handlers and one or two good cutters you can manage a Vertical, but a
HORIZONTAL gives you more options and I think as many options as possible to
initiate offense is key. A thrower should always have a minimum of 4 options.
In Vertical, unless you are using two dumps, it is hard to design. The
HORIZONTAL is designed with the two dumps (though they don’t necessarily line
up that way) and then I would like to think all 4 cutters could be an option.
Even if 2 are, you meet the minimum four.
Whether up or downwind, I would still stick with the Horizontal…given a team
has the players that have put in the Vertical work. In heavy downwind, the
automatic ISO situations initially set up by the HORIZONTAL formation and the
4 lanes produce more turns to cut deep. If the d adjusts, then you can hammer
under cuts.
I would only make general adjustments without specifics about what the other
team is doing. Stick to the fundamentals in high wind. Forehands, backhands
(maybe some fancy stuff downwind), short passes, throw and go, and keep the
ball moving.