The Love Handlers

Tonight Garrett and I played ultimate with our team - The Love Handlers. While I'm sure all of you can figure out the obvious meaning of the name, as in, we have a little extra on our edges, the name also has a connotation specific to ultimate, because a 'handler' is a position in ultimate. A handler is good at controlling and throwing the disc, is able to throw well around defenders and control the field. This is opposed to other players on the field, who might be strikers (strike deep down the field to catch a long throw to the end zone) or a cutter (generally someone who cuts midfield to receive passes from the handlers and work the disc down the field bit by bit). Well, tonight the weather was great and the sun was shining. We played a fun team, but alas, they also played better than us and won the game. However, the exercise and the love of the game is always worthwhile.

Garrett and I are both quite versatile on the ultimate field. I'm often a handler, but I am fast and often strike deep to catch a long huck (another ultimate term, ie. throwing the disc really far). As a leftie, Garrett is a threat on the field as a handler. This probably won't make much sense to those who haven't played the game, but most defensive strategies assume a player throws right-handed, giving left-handed individuals an innate advantage. In addition, Garrett is great at cutting midfield as well as pulling out the stops when striking deep to the end zone. Very versatile, hey?

Truly, though, only those who have played the game and become addicted to it can really understand what we find appealing about the sport. It's not only a great way to exercise, it's a fun game with great community of players.