Quote:
Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
I played some in college, of the intramural variety. It was moderately fun, and a really good workout. You pretty much run the whole time, unlike soccer, where the strikers usually dog it when the ball's in their own half of the field. But I never really saw much in the way of strategy (other than score more than the other team), which there is in soccer, football, and other sports (of course, IM sports aren't usually highly strategic).
Beyond that, I've never understood the culture of ultimate. (although maybe if I needed to do something between bong hits I would.) Like anything in college, there's one group of people who are really into it; that wasn't me. And I personally didn't get why people were--it's one of those games that's fun to play once in a while, but I'd never watch it on television or pay to see it in person, or support my child to become a world-champion ultimate player. Of course, I don't get beach volleyball, but that was huge for a period of years too. And I always wished (european) handball was played more regularly in the US.
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European Handball is unplayable and unwatchable. But this is from a long time Ultimate player, so it just goes to show you.
POLL: What's the least essential sport (defined for these purposes as competition requiring physical exertion (card games/board games do not count) in which a winner is decided by either objective or subjective criteria (most points, who looks best jumping around on skates)?
I'll take the first shot and say field hockey. Far too many whistles for no apparent reason. European handball comes a close second. Pass, pass, pass, pass, hurl self at goalie and fling ball. Repeat * infinity. Third choice is ringette, which would be far and away the winner if anybody played it anymore.
Ultimate has the virtues of a) lots and lots of running, b) it requires development of unique skills that are fun and challenging to master, c) it's cool to see people abusing their own bodies to such an extent, d) the no-refs/spirit of the game element, e) it's very often played co-ed, and f) the people who play it are generally very nice people.
str8
