Paper deadline. T-minus 24 hours

Hey Boys and Girls,

I thought I'd address some random points to get in your head (not as if they aren't full already) :

• The T is not the only end-zone option. Many teams will play a vertical endzone stack. The focus is to not let the open side cut, and prevent the full dump swing to the break side. If a team tends to break and score using this offence, then a clam is a viable option to slow down this attack. Clam means put someone in front and a guy to both sides of the stack. Once a cut starts in your direction you are responsible unless flooded.
• Rainy day ultimate is tough to play in, so every comfort is a benefit to your team. Dry socks, clothing, umbrella, tent, warm food, towel, baseball cap, etc. Each is a luxury item which makes you feel better and play better. Be prepared. We have one tent, and we're trying to get more.
  
• Some of you may be feeling pressure. We all feel some pressure to perform, but have confidence in yourself and your team. You've made remarkable catches and you've made great throws and decisions (I've seen it at practice). Your team has confidence in you, and even if you make a mistake they are there to dust you off and throw you back in the fire. Goldfish ultimate (forget the errors) will make you a better player since you can just focus on what's in the future. I've never dropped a disc.
  
• If you make an error, then the worse thing to do is get angry about that error. Don't make a drop or a throw away worse by getting down on yourself and letting the opponents get a free score because you weren't playing defense.
• Captains like getting information, but remember that they are at capacity dealing with not only their own play on the field, but trying to watch what is going on. It's a bit like chain of command, talk to the middle vet over an issue, and they might pass it on. Otherwise, you might just be hurting your own team.
• Sideline players provide extra eyes. As extra eyes, provide information for the most part, and let the field player decide. You are not their brain.
• Drink water even if you feel you're not sweating that much.
• Teams that poach need to be punished. When someone leaves you to poach run away from them and ask for the disc. Only yell poach if you are sure you are being left alone so that your defender can clog up lane. Try and receive a pass when poached where you can either huck the disc or throw a break throw. That's punishment.
• Have some fun this weekend regardless of what happens. The best thing about a weekend is hanging with a team through the good, the bad, and the funny.

Peter