roadhockey.net

Whole-hearted effort

Sometimes a half game is better than no game at all.

A driving rain storm that didn't let up until moments before game time and a flood that swamped one end of the court in four inches of water didn't deter the hardiest of the roadsters Sunday.

All seven of them.

Not enough for a full game, but certainly a quorum for the half-court game, devised last season for just such occasions. While not as competitive as the usual weekly showdowns, it keeps the players sharp and the goalie on his toes.

"It can be difficult to figure out where the offence and defence is at times," says Lak Attack, who strapped on the pads after he missed last week's game. "You might make a great save off one guy and then your defenders are coming back at you the next moment. You have to be sharp and stay alert."

The format also demands some unique strategy, says Franz Beckenbauer.

"You try to frustrate the other team as much as you can," says the shifty sophomore. "You essentially need to set up a rover at the far end to collect those dump out. It's a real different game out there."

The constant changes of possession that has players switching from offence to defence as the ball is moved up court can be confusing, especially for the goalie.

"You have to when to cover it up and when not to," says Lak Attack.

"Sometimes you have to remind (the goalie) to cover the ball, but when you're on offence you just try to keep getting balls on him," says Franz Beckenbauer.

And while some roadsters may complain the half-court game is half-baked, it's more important it go on.

"The game is always alive," says Lak Attack. "Rain or shine or snow or whatever it's going to be, it's always a good collective effort."

"We have to keep reminding ourselves of that," says Franz Beckenbauer.

Posted by jaysuburb at November 27, 2011 07:49 PM