CATCHING THE DISC

                     Or, Keeping Up Your End

 

 

 

       With so many things that could go wrong in this great game, dropping an easy catch is both embarrassing, treasonous, and a capital offense.  So be warned.

 

          Anyways, here are a few pointers (and some fancy catches) that can make life a bit easier.

 

 

                                      BASIC CATCHES

          The most important facet of catching can be learned only through practice.  Like the throw, catching is a matter of knowing what the disc is going to do.  This is acquired either through supernatural instant-feed prophesy or, more likely, experience.

          The second point is using the right catch for the situation.  That’s right, there are almost as many catches as throws.  But don’t be disheartened, you’ll learn.

 

          First of all, the most basic basic basic catch occurs when the disc is coming straight toward you.  Refer to the diagram below for the following instruction.   I have divided the body into several zones or areas.

 

                   

          Zone 1 is the ideal pass zone: you’ll get it most in practice.  However, it’s the one that the most people screw up.  The simplest way to catch in this zone is the pancake catch. See the picture below: the receiver can either point his fingers at the disc or perpendicular.  Note: ALL ZONE 1 CATCHES SHOULD BE MADE WITH at least 2 HANDS.

                                                         

          The ‘grip’ catch should be self-explanatory from my beautiful picture.  Many prefer this catch for Zone 1, but if the catcher doesn’t judge well, he’ll end up with black nails or jammed fingers.  Also, there is a greater chance of the disc bouncing off the palms than the pancake.

 

          Zone 2 is all the area in which a two-handed catch is either impossible or uncomfortable.  The one-handed catch is easy (they all say that?) but takes judgment and practice.  Practice.  Practice. Practice. PRACTICE!!!

          The important thing to remember with the one handed catch is that you are not stopping the disc fast, like the pancake.  Instead, come back with the disc; don’t oppose it all at once. 

Here’re a few pics of ‘real’ players catching the disc.

                             

                            

 

 

                                      SKYING

Skying is, basically, jumpin’ real high for the disc, usually over an opponent.  The trick here: when learning to jump for the disc, jump BEFORE it’s in reach.  You’ll have to judge it so it reaches you as your hand reaches the apex of your jump.

 

                                                                  

 

TRICK CATCHES

First of all, these trick catches should never be used in a ‘competitive’ game; nor should they be attempted until the basics are mastered.

 

1)                           Under the leg.  Many variations of these can be employed: lift one leg, jump high, or the ‘Josh O’Toole’ tippytoes leg-arch.  BUT BE CAREFUL or you may never have the chance to name your children after me, if you get my drift.

2)                           Follow-through.  As the disc passes, don’t catch the front but grab the back rim after it’s passed.

3)                           Behind-the-head.  When catching a high throw, get it as it’s directly over your head then pull it back behind you.

4)                           ‘Matrix’ catch. A fast, neck-/chest-level pass.  Don’t move until it’s about a foot away, then bend over backwards like the Limbo; and catch the disc after it skims over your face with a variation of the catch above.  Please be careful with this one, as well!!

 

 LAYING OUT

          This is NOT a trick catch, but THE move that separates the proverbial men from the proverbial boys.  This is a heroic, last-ditch attempt to nab the disc that’s out of your reach.  Some have to be seen to be believed.  Some, you just need to see the bruises.  A few shots of some people ‘getting ho.’

Laying out the first few times is a mental effort, but after that you can stop worrying about injury and actually try to catch the disc.  Trust me?

A few pointers:  Try to go flat and even like the last pic above: Land on your chest if possible.  Avoid the side or shoulder, though you will get more extension if you go sideways.  The chest can take a bit more damage, plus you won’t plow your shoulder into the turf.  Girls, you may want to ask someone else about this…

Secondly, keep both arms extended forwards: breakages are less likely.  In the case the Athletic Director is reading this, breakages never happen?  Rarely?

Thirdly, if you practice this move please chose your location well.  From personal experience, gouging your chest on a sprinkler or bouncing a few times on frozen mud are not pleasant.  Slightly muddy grass is best, also soft sand if you don’t mind the grit.

Go limp!  This will decrease the (nearly almost possibly nonexistent) likelihood of injury.

Try to grab the disc when it’s in the air, not after you hit the ground.  After you nab it, hold on to it, you’re liable to drop it when you hit.

If you wear glasses, be careful you don’t grind them into the turf when they fall off (They will.)

 

Wait- never mind the rules.

GET  HO!!!!!!!!

           * 

    The First Scottie Cochran Award for the layout to goes to Scottie Cochran for consistent layout defense on the hardwood floors of the CHS Small Gym.

        ROCK ON SCOTTIE!!

 

 

 

~SHANE RUBENFELD- CAPTAIN, CORVALLIS HIGH SPARTANS 2001-2002

                              ROCK ON SENIORS ’02!!!!!!!!