On the podcast, we’ve interviewed people that span all eras of Freestyle Frisbee. We’ve gotten feedback from people of all eras as well. This started me thinking about our demographics. This question is as much about Freestyle as is it about the readers of Heinsville. So, let’s start with our age, in decade sized brackets: How old are you?
[poll id=”9″]
For extra credit, let us know in the comments when you started playing.
41st Annual Virginia States
It’s official. Heinsville will be Live Streaming Freestyle from the 41st annual Virginia States overall Frisbee event on April 22 – 23. Virginia States is one of the longest running Frisbee events. It holds true to the roots of overall style disc events. If a modern freestyler wanted to experience the Rose Bowl or the early NAS events, Virginia States is probably the closest one could find today. Freestyle is a favorite event of the attendees. Freestylers feel the love and appreciation as the crowd pulls out the couches and lines the field to watch. Freestyle teams may be 2 or 3, just like it used to be. Judging is done by rank, which is one of the earliest judging systems. And, last but not least, Virginia States has one of the highest cash payouts for Freestyle winners, mainly because they want to attract the best talent the sport has to offer.
And that’s exactly what they do. Virginia States has had a long tradition of attracting both top young talent and legends in the sport. This year will certainly not be any different. The team to watch will be Randy Silvey, Ryan Young, James Wiseman. Randy is a wily veteran who brings a dramatic flare that engages the crowd. Ryan is taking his game in new directions that will bring a layer of originality. James, of course, can do any move he wants, whenever he wants. So, expect big things from this team.
Yes, though Virginia States an overall event, it is absolutely one of the hottest Freestyle events in the USA. But more than that, it is at the quintessential crossing between frisbee, family, friendship and history. So, if you can’t make it, tune in and be a part of it.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Original Spread the Jam Project Crew
The Spread the Jam Project helped shape the face of Freestyle Frisbee on YouTube. James Wiseman explains why he started the project, what he learned, and how the focus of his video efforts have shifted.
Photo by Lars Åke Vinberg
Donnie Rhodes, Ryan Young, and many other players have used Ballet as a way to improve their Freestyle Game. Steve Scannell has brought juggling into his Freestyle game. My approach is different. I focus only on the Frisbee stuff with a little bike riding on the side to keep my cardio strong. What about you? What other skills do you use to enhance your Freestyle Game?
This poll lets you choose multiple answers so select all that apply.
[poll id=”8″]
Let us know in the comments how you think your other skill has changed your game.
Leg Over (noun)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Donnie Rhodes, Allen Elliott
We got a chance to talk with Allen Elliott and Donnie Rhodes. In this episode they talk about how the started playing, how they teamed up, and how they prepared for the ’81 Rose Bowl.
When I competed in my first event in 1996, The Beast took me under his wing and taught me how to think about competition. Since we had only met the day before we came up with 3 co-ops for the routine. That was 3 more than I had ever come up with before. From there, my routine preparation slowly grew towards more choreography.
At the 1999 FPA World Championships, Matt and I had 4 opening co-ops. Then we went “spon” until a “half way” time call. We had 2 co-ops for that. Then “spon”, finishing up with 2 co-ops at a “30 seconds” time call.
At the 2001 FPA World Championships, Matt and I had every moment of the routine planned out, with the exception of our 4 indies. No time calls where needed. At the time, that was our best finish, 4th.
Based on that experience, it might seem that fully choreographed routines are the way to the top. However, I have also had many successes that were 100% spontaneous. Matt and my first win at California states, for example, or recently at Frisbeer 2013. Never won and FPA worlds without choreography though.
After listening to Bill talk about the Coloradicals journey towards choreography, hearing the various approaches of the teams at Frisbeer 2017, and reflecting upon my own history, a question comes to mind.
When you compete, how much of your routine is planned ahead of time?
[poll id=”7″]
Tell us in the comments, do you think choreography increases a team’s chances of doing well?
In this video, I explain how I catch a bad attitude. For another example, check out Lori’s video. The catch is useful one because it uses a unique body position where the player stands upright on one leg and catches the disc around the ankle of the other leg. This gives it visual appeal from a variety perspective.
Bad attitude is named after the dance position called attitude, except it’s a bad version of it. I am the perfect example of how bad the attitude can be. My flexibility is limited so the window to make the catch is very small. Besides stretching, what helps me are two things. First I stand on, or jump from one leg and then bend at the hip to bring the catching hip upwards. This means I don’t have to bend the catching hip as far back. Next, I rotate so the catching hip forward which means I can get my hand around my foot and ankle just a little easier.
Of course when I do it, it’s not so pretty. But, when done properly, it can be quite beautiful. Here’s Sue Straight showing us a proper bad attitude. Don’t worry if you don’t look like Sue. The bad attitude is a fun, explosive, and surprising catch that will grab attention no matter your form.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Doug Brannigan, Bill Wright, and Rick Castiglia
We interview Bill Wright and learn about the birth of the Coloradicals, the iconic Freestyle team of Bill Wright, Rick Castiglia, and Doug Brannigan.
There was a summer when the Portland crew was determined to find a new jammer. We put up a sign at every jam and made focused efforts to talk to anyone who stopped. Yet for all the effort, no new people became jammers. However, there was some success. We talked to many people. Some people did learn what freestyle was. Another couple borrowed a disc and played catch on their own for 30 minutes or so. I taught at least one boy to air brush a whiz ring. I’m afraid to say that since that summer we’ve lost some of our motivation to talk to those who stop and watch.
This weeks poll: When someone stops to watch the jam, do you stop to engage with them?
[poll id=”6″]
If you are a person who engages, what do you say? Has anyone had success bringing in a new jammer this way?
