Right now I'm captain of our broomball team, This Plus 5 Bananas, and its a really fun sport. I would probably qualify it as a mix between soccer and hockey because it is played on ice with sticks, but there are no pads (with the exception of a helmet) and no skates. Just you, your shoes, your stick, and that funny looking orange soccer ball that we shoot around. I really do enjoy this sport!
However, part of me wishes our team was just a little more competitive. Fact of the matter is we aren't very good. It is still tons of fun and we are always getting better (we have improved a ton since last semester when we first started) but we lose or tie every game (that is a fair fight). And eventually it starts to wear on me. I know the frustrations of losing better than most on our team as well because I play goalie. Meaning: if we are losing, that little orange ball made it past me to get to that point.
In the back though I have Sarah, my defensive angel. I am incredibly grateful for the fact that she shows up to every game and plays rock solid defense because she makes the game a lot less painful for me in the goal. Jonathan and Denali are starting to get the hang of being the chaser on defense too which is proving to be quite nice on the defensive front. I *heart* my defensive line.
Offense (a.k.a. the rest of our players) is starting to get better as well! We can now pass and get the ball down to the other end of the ice without it being immediately taken away. Shooting is still kinda iffy, but it just takes practice and making it to the other goal is the first step in that direction. Hopefully we can score a point soon...
And so everyone is steadily improving in their positions, but recently I have been confused by the discontent in positions. Instead of constantly improving in a single position that they have been playing for 3 quarters so far (for most of them), some want to change up positions. And in some cases I think this could work. Having more versatile players makes for a better team. However, not everyone is suited to every position. For serious. All positions require a certain mindset and skillset in order to be played effectively.
Offense requires endurance for running, ball control, shooting, positioning, and being aware of where your teammates are for passes.
Defense requires full ice awareness, precise positioning, the ability to make snap decisions, hedging, a synergistic partner, and ball control.
Goalie requires full ice awareness, no fear of the ball, the ability to give snap decisions, being able to give orders while maintaining focus, quick reflexes, and knowing what to expect.
Trying to switch from one position to another usually requires learning a whole new mindset as well. It can't just happen overnight. Besides, trying to randomly switch up positions not only messes up the balance of the team, but it isn't all that effective either. So as captain and goalie when I hear during the day "Oh *Jane* decided she is going to play this position." or "*Jack* and I have decided we're going to be switching positions." my usual response is:
Astonished look --> "What?" --> Receive confirmation --> "No."
Another part of me is just annoyed at it too. How does this help the team as a whole? Usually, these switches also make my life harder as goalie as well... It would be just as ridiculous if I showed up to a game and said, "Hey guys, I've decided to play offense today. Now pick a new goalie. By the way, the game starts in 3 minutes." It just doesn't work like that...
Ever.
So I think I'm done with this broomball rant for now... Maybe one day we will win a legitimate game. Or score a goal. Maybe...
No comments:
Post a Comment