| Here are some thoughts on positioning for the Initiator cuts that Bala has been talking about recently. Eventually, there will be an entire playbook section, but for now, its just this. |
| quicklinks: Positioning|Traditional|Center field Detail|Clogging?|Sideline Trap|Sideline Trap Detail |
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| Why is positioning important? top |
| The idea of the Initiator is that one person is designated to cut first after a stopped disc. This helps the offense get started, and everyone know who the first cutter will be. However, that puts a lot of pressure on the initiator, so it is important that the initiator plays smart so he/she can get open quickly and easily to start the offensive flow. |
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| I usually line up at the front of the stack. Whats wrong with that? top |
| The main problem with lining up at the front of the stack is that the easiest cut from that position - to the break side - can be a very difficult throw. The first picture illustrates what areas make for easy, medium, and difficult throws, with the initiator at the front of the stack in the center of the field. |
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| In the next diagram - a detail of first cutter positions - you can see that if the initiator lines up in the open side, every cut is easily thrown to. Look at the original spot - half of the options are into the medium/hard break mark throw zone. Furthermore, the defender knows you are on the open side and will bite hard on any fake, making it easier to get open top |
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| Ok, I see. But if I get shut down, don't I clog the cutting lane? top |
| Yes, you do - it is still important to clear out. But the advantage to starting out in the cutting lane is that when you get shut down, the stall count is 3 or 4. If you had started in the center, then moved to the cutting lane, and then been shut down by your defender, the stall could be 5 or 6. You've just saved a second or two by starting in a different position! |
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| Sideline trap - the same principles apply top |
| When trapped on the sideline, the same theory applies to your position, only the easy throw zone is a lot smaller. |
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| By lining up near the sideline as the initiator, you give yourself room to cut in the easy/medium zones immediately. But what if your defender lines up on the break side, pinning you to the sideline? You can cut straight in or straight out, and the defense will have a very difficult time stopping quick short throws up the sideline. top |
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