The ultimate Ultimate player: A philosophical journey
On the way home from my Ultimate game today I was thinking about the levels or phases that an Ultimate player goes through over time. The four player phases are beginner (aka noob), intermediate, advanced, and expert. While those name aren't exciting, they are standard and descriptive.
The Beginner
The beginner is new to Ultimate. He doesn't know diddly-squat. He just wants to have fun.
The Intermediate
This player is one that has played Ultimate on several occasions and is beginning to understand the rules. If told what to do he'll do it well (enough). However, he might be limited physically. Maybe his stamina doesn't allow him to play at maximum power for a full game. Maybe his throws need a little work or maybe he can't snag toss ups very effectively.
The Advanced
This guy both knows how to play and can play. He is in peak physical condition. His pulls sail and he sprints like a mad man.
The Expert
Once a person has attained expert status, he can authoritatively manage the lower level players and develop strategy with other expert players. Experts are the best captains.
The Tao of the Ultimate Player
The flow from newbie to intermediate to advanced to expert is very logical. The beginner will be taught by a more advanced player. He will learn the rules and tactics by both watching more advanced players and by playing himself. He will make mistakes, but learn from them. Thus be becomes an intermediate player. Once he has reached this level he will play and play. By playing on the field and exercising at other times he will increase his physical prowess and skills. This enables him to be come an advanced player. Now he is at the level where he can stand back ad really observer the game, even while playing it. He will know when to commit himself and have a keen idea of what the other players are doing. Because his skills and ability come naturally, it allows him to focus on gameplay and teamwork. And that is when he becomes an expert player. He can instruct others to help them exploit the opponents weaknesses, which he now knows and sees.
The path to become the ultimate Ultimate player is one that takes both mind and body to accomplish.
If I had to rate myself I'd say that I am 35% Intermediate and 60% Advanced and 5% Expert. I feel confident that I am on my way to becoming a very good Ultimate player. Perhaps I should be a captain soon.
The Beginner
The beginner is new to Ultimate. He doesn't know diddly-squat. He just wants to have fun.
The Intermediate
This player is one that has played Ultimate on several occasions and is beginning to understand the rules. If told what to do he'll do it well (enough). However, he might be limited physically. Maybe his stamina doesn't allow him to play at maximum power for a full game. Maybe his throws need a little work or maybe he can't snag toss ups very effectively.
The Advanced
This guy both knows how to play and can play. He is in peak physical condition. His pulls sail and he sprints like a mad man.
The Expert
Once a person has attained expert status, he can authoritatively manage the lower level players and develop strategy with other expert players. Experts are the best captains.
The Tao of the Ultimate Player
The flow from newbie to intermediate to advanced to expert is very logical. The beginner will be taught by a more advanced player. He will learn the rules and tactics by both watching more advanced players and by playing himself. He will make mistakes, but learn from them. Thus be becomes an intermediate player. Once he has reached this level he will play and play. By playing on the field and exercising at other times he will increase his physical prowess and skills. This enables him to be come an advanced player. Now he is at the level where he can stand back ad really observer the game, even while playing it. He will know when to commit himself and have a keen idea of what the other players are doing. Because his skills and ability come naturally, it allows him to focus on gameplay and teamwork. And that is when he becomes an expert player. He can instruct others to help them exploit the opponents weaknesses, which he now knows and sees.
The path to become the ultimate Ultimate player is one that takes both mind and body to accomplish.
If I had to rate myself I'd say that I am 35% Intermediate and 60% Advanced and 5% Expert. I feel confident that I am on my way to becoming a very good Ultimate player. Perhaps I should be a captain soon.
Transmitted at 4/30/2006 04:24:00 PM
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