improve my contribution

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:25 am

Just looking for help/advice as to what I can do to contribute more to team play and not force you guys to always cover for me when I'm out of position. Its frustrating that I still suck so I was wondering what position I should play to cause the least amount of slack for everyone else to pick up. Now that I have the whole camera/view issue worked out I hope I can have better player control and better anticipation for the flow of the game. It always seems like I'm a few steps behind on every move. Plus I'm still seeing blue streaks everywhere from that team we played last night that was skating circles around me in sets of 3!! I got dizzy and almost had a seizure from that game.

Also I hope to improve m puck possession since it seems like I only have control for a second before I get my pocket picked or get flattened.

It helped me when you guys verbally told me what to do during the games. Things just seem to move way faster online so when you say pass or shoot or clear or left wing open or whatever it really helps!

I just want to contribute something other than frustration! Embarassed

Pillow Biter Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 14

Want some advice Sir Skelt? Have fun and let the game come to you. Communication is key, especially if you are out of position, just say something and one of us will get back to help you out. Have fun and let the game come to you.

I played a few games with you, and I thought you did one hell of a job.

remember, just have fun buddy!

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:41 am

No worries. It is going to take some time to get into the flow of the game, and if you are relatively new to the online mode, you might not have the points (yet) to up your speed or acceleration to what those guys were doing to us last nite.

Just look for open passes and don't go for the "homerun" pass. That is a quick way for a fast turnover. If your passing rating is higher, you can get away with a saucer pass (RB) and hope it gets there. But until then, look for an open man and move it on or carry it into their zone. Carrying the puck into 2 forcheckers is a sure way to get flattened and a costly turnover. It has to get moved around.

Another thing is to try to stay away from the boards on every rush. Every time we moved up the ice last nite, we were pinched pretty bad on the left. They will hit you and they will take the puck away.

I dunno. We were all in the same boat when we first started. I must have had at least 10 offside whistles per game. It will come together after a few rounds. Now I am down to about 2 a game. It is a learning curve.

I try to talk all game and call out where I am trying to pass or win the face offs to, so that folks are ready. But trust me, I am no dynamo. But any communication is better than none. So, don't be afraid to call your shots, so to speak. If you see someone breaking, let them know you are going to pass to them or carry right or left, etc. I get my balls broken by a few, I get the "ok coach" but it is all in good fun.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:42 am

and both of you please change those avatars... Embarassed

LOL

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:15 pm

I don't know. I have 140 or so online games under my belt and I am still clueless. I am going to start experimenting with agility, balance, speed etc. I know what you mean though, other teams seem to puck handle right through our poke checks and our team coughs it up when an opponent is within 10 feet of him carrying the puck.

On the bright side. I haven't been seeing too many wrist shots from the top of the circles anymore. It seems the new favorite way to attack is, come down to the goal line, charge towards the net and shoot it through the 2 inches between the goalie and goal pipe.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:25 pm

yep, the ass first attack is all the rave now a days. I need to learn how to score.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:34 pm

I think I talk too much. I'm sure some of you guys are thinking, "when is this loud-mouth going to shut up?!?"

As far as what position you play, play what you enjoy. As much as I think everyone wants to win, it is more important to enjoy the game(though the game is slightly more enjoyable when you win). I suppose some of us do get quiet and frustrated when where getting whooped, but don't take it as being frustrated with our team. The chemistry of the team, to me, is more important than the ability of the team. Who wants to win with someone they don't like? I know the Red Sox don't. Wink

I think the knowledge comes from playing together. Porche and I have played quite a few games together on defense. I think I'm starting to develop a sense of how he is playing and what he will do. This is the kind of stuff that will come with playing.

The hard part is determining what level people want to play at.

Pillow Biter Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 14

Kynlore- You don't talk to much, when i hear you talking in your headset. I can tell that you are focused. if i dont hear then i think you are out of it or flat out just got booted. Keep up the good work Kynlore.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:42 pm

Nah, communication is key.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:56 pm

great advice... I am having lots of fun playing I just don't want it to be at the cost of everyone elses fun! Wink

I think its because the first few nights I played our opponents were not too tough but last night really threw me with those jerky's zippin all over the place. Shocked

I've been trying to change my avatar but the gallery never shows anything to choose from... the old dude in his diaper kinda scares me. Mr. Green

edit: the moment I say the avatars don't show up... bam! They show up, so thanks for including cool logos so I don't have to be "Sluggalo" Rolling Eyes

Pillow Biter Joined: Sep 26, 2008 Posts: 10

Hey Skelt, I'm like you. I can't seem to do a very good job with the puck in traffic or when someone is on me. I think a lot of it has to do with user technique, but a lot of it also has to do with low point totals in your players attributes. If you have 80 speed and the other team is all 90's, then guess what?

Just try to play smart, holler out colors if you aren't sure who's who, and just keep plugging away until you get some more points to up your stats. I'm at 19 games played right now, 1 more and I'll get a few points to up some attributes.

But most importantly, just have fun and don't even sweat the small stuff. For me, it's all about having a good time Very Happy

ps I'm assuming your a Buffalo fan, enjoy Rivet he is an animal. One of my favorite Sharks last year.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 4:42 pm

I don't think people talk enough. It sucks going through a game when you can't hear anyone. Gets real boring.

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:21 pm

At least there is no singing...yet...

Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:21 am

Don wrote:

At least there is no singing...yet...

It takes a huge amount of energy, emotion and effort for me to sing when I'm onstage so you won't catch me doing it during a game! Unless I get paid to do it of course!!! Razz

Despite my first few games being a little sketchy last night I thought I stepped up my play just a bit, at least I contributed some points to the cause. I still had a blast.

Pillow Biter Joined: Sep 20, 2008 Posts: 39

It's tough to jump into online when many people already have 15 - 20 points added to their attributes in three categories. You will be out-skated for the first while. Think of it as being a rookie joining in with experienced players.

I have found that short passes as you advance up ice help alot. I admit I don't always follow my own advice though! It's tempting to go for long passes.

Also, instead of trying to force the puck in one side, passing back to a defense-man who can then pass to an open wing creates space too. This can mess up a lot of teams who put high pressure on the puck carrier.

Pillow Biter Joined: Oct 16, 2008 Posts: 3 Location: pdx

I'm new to the club and also having a rough time getting used to online play. I haven't had a chance to play with you guys yet - just been doing the random OTP games. Not making many friends there as I just can't seem to get the timing down right.

Seems like no matter what's happening, there's a big lag between a button push and the resulting action. It's nothing like offline play, but my connection quality is great. I have to anticipate a good second ahead of time - not easy.

Plus, I seem to always over-compensate when trying to move into position and go sliding on past where I'm trying to be.

I look forward to getting my skills up with all of you. You sound much more patient and place more importance on having fun. I'm getting tired of being yelled at or bad-mouthed because I keep missing shots or passes, or being way out of position.

Any additional tips/pointer/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping it's not just a symptom of my aging reflexes!

Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:08 am

gdogday wrote:

Seems like no matter what's happening, there's a big lag between a button push and the resulting action. It's nothing like offline play, but my connection quality is great. I have to anticipate a good second ahead of time - not easy.

Plus, I seem to always over-compensate when trying to move into position and go sliding on past where I'm trying to be.

Your not alone. I miss a check and I end up on the other side of the rink.
It started out as a "have fun club" but I have been sensing a lot of frustration the past few days. I'll admit I'm starting to get a little frustrated.

Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 9:46 am

I think it is still fun, but I am sure the losing is getting to everyone.

I think we have to commit to getting better or at least making better decisions out there. But I really think that playing 5 on 5 club games is the only way to go. Doing the 3 on 3 is a sure way to get pissed. I don't like playing in those- we usually get housed pretty good because we assume that the AI goalie and AI D will do the job, and we all know they don't...

After 2 games like that, I'm angrier than a dog shitting thumbtacks. One we got 4 people and had 2 D back there, we were a totally different team. I have been playing nothing but D for the last 2 days and I have been enjoying ruining the other team's chances. That keeps me motivated.

Pillow Biter Joined: Oct 10, 2008 Posts: 14

5 on 5 is better, we play like a totally different team. there is alot more laughing and team play, and lots of communication.

Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:27 pm

Personally, I don't care if it's 3v3, 5v5, or 6v6 as long as it's even. I have a problem when we play 2v5.

I get frustrated sometimes because I don't know what it is we are doing wrong. I've tried different setups, different tactics and some of these teams score at will and carry the puck like it's magnetized to their stick. If I knew what we were doing wrong I wouldn't be as frustrated.