Monday Jan 26

Focus: dump sets.

Dump sets.

In this practice we described where we want the handlers to set up to be in the best position to receive the dump. If the disc is trapped on the sideline, the handler will line up parallel to the thrower 7 to 10 yards away. She will look to get the disc up-the-line or back. When cutting back after faking up-the-line, the handler will not run towards the thrower but rather straight back or slightly away from the thrower. Although at first, it may seem like you are abandoning your teammate, in reality you will be leaving them with a bigger area into which they can throw the disc. This is a similar concept to making a deep cut straight down the middle of the field as opposed to curving towards the open sideline too early.

If the disc is in the middle of the field, the handler will line up 7 to 10 yards away at a 45 degree angle on the break side of the thrower. If the defense does not position herself well, it might be possible for the thrower to turn and put the disc to the break side a little ahead of the dump handler. This will allow our handler to run to the disc and then advance it down the break side (remember there are no downfield defenders on the break side!). If the dump defender is playing good defense and guarding the break side, the handler should charge at her to throw her off-balance and then look to get the disc on the open side. Although we will not improve our field position through this dump play, we should be able to easily reset the stall count.

If the disc is on the sideline being forced middle, the handler will line up 7 to 10 yards away at a 45 degree angle on the open side of the thrower (there is no break side in this case). If the defender is not positioned well, the handler might be able to get the disc without making a cut. If a cut is necessary, drive your defender upfield and then cut straight back. In this case, it is also important not to cut towards your thrower. Leave that space for them to put the disc to and then run onto the disc when it's in the air.

A note to handlers: please remember that while the main goal of the dump is to reset the stall count, it is also important to think about field position. If we can improve our field position by getting the disc upfield on an up-the-line cut or by moving the disc to the break side, we should do it!

A note to cutters: try to reset the stall count in the easiest way possible. If the handler is open without having to make a cut, please communicate with them and throw them the disc! There is no need for us to work hard if the defense is giving us an open look.

Drill: dump drill, groups of 4, five throws by each person in three different field locations (sideline-trapped, middle, and sideline-middle).