The Ultimate Beginner's Approach

The Great Blizzard of 2011! The blizzard sounds like it could be a Charlie Brown movie. Linus waits outside only to be pummeled by snow...


Lately my ultimate participation has been at an all time low. (sigh) Sometimes other factors in life can get in the way. One of these factors is really awesome! I got to play my violin in a pit orchestra for a completely student run cabaret show! 

 I did get to attend SOL practice last week and was able to start building on the skills I've finally developed. As with the violin, once you get the basics, then you can work on those little details to continue getting better. My ultimate learning curve is not the typical bell shaped curve. It's all over the place. There will be times when I forget I'm in a game and do a celebration dance after I figured something out. Most of the time, I've got a love-hate relationship with ultimate. I have a habit of getting too critical of myself. That's when the angry hammers start flying! So here's some advice when first approaching the sport of ultimate:


1. Optimism is key. You won't get very far if you refuse to try what others tell you might be good for you.


2. Take all criticism, process it in your mind, and learn from it. If you can't handle that, you probably don't live in the real world. Even if you think the advice is silly, make it something useful for yourself.


3. Be PATIENT. When I set out for a practice, tournament, or even a day, I make one ultimate goal for myself. Then I make sure I accomplish that goal by the end of the practice, tournament or day. If you think about too much at once, practice won't be that fun (anti-ultimate).


4. Stay accountable. (To yourself and others) Write your goal down somewhere or get your teammates involved so you don't forget! This also applies to motivation/participation, both for yourself and teammates.


5. Rewards are good too! This can be fulfilled by building your collection of sweet ultimate gear! Or maybe some ice cream.....


In a week, I'll be playing at an indoor tournament! I'm super pumped because our college stuff doesn't start until March. The month of February is the perfect time to keep learning and grinding out the repetitions and practice. 


I hope everyone in the blizzard world is staying warm and safe!