Can I borrow someone's ankles? Mine suck!

Aspiring Hacktor · Post by **Aspiring Hacktor** » 15 Jul 2005 15:34

Hello modified,
This is my first post. I have been playing footbag off and on since January. My friend the modified-famous Tom Mosher got me into it at Queen's but I was always busy with Play rehearsals during the school year (I am an aspiring actor, in fact) and only made it out to a few KFM meetings all year. Anyway, this summer I started playing again by myself in Toronto (not what it sounds like, but even more fun). I've since hooked up with FAT cats Camille and Adam Greenwood in Toronto (again not what is seems) so hopefully I will have some live mentors to replace the absent tomosh. So far I can hit Mirages, Legovers, and Pixies BSOS and I can hit (but not consistently) illusions, ATWs, stepovers, and ducking toe-stalls. My problem is that I suck at clipper stalls. My toe stalls are fine (I can do 60+ no problem and eventually get bored) my inside stalls are shaky (it takes me a while to do 20+) and my clippers are downright atrocious. I don't end up stalling the bag until my foot is about 1 inch off the ground so I can't get the cushion I want. Also, coming out of the clipper stall I have a tendency to pull the bag (so to speak) so that it flies off sideways rather than in a nice up and down motion. Are there any ankle stretches besides the one where you stand on one foot and try to make your ankle touch the ground? Also does anyone have any advice besides the obvious drill>drill>rpt? I am making so much progress with my toe-stall oriented tricks but I need to figure out this clipper business in order to move on to harder tricks. Sorry for the long-winded rant.

Chim-Chim · Post by **Chim-Chim** » 15 Jul 2005 16:50

try doing right toe stall to right clipper a few times, then do left toe stall to right clipper, then do the same w/ the other leg.. it'll help your balance out and make the transition easier.

If you can do a good pixie maybe try doing a right pixie to right clipper w/o planting, and the same w/ your left.

to keep from jerking when doin a clipper set try to stick it (freeze after u stall it and let it sit for a couple seconds, then set), and do consecutive ss clippers.

inside stalls to same side clippers helped me out tremendously with the fluidity transferring into and out of cross body.

if you use lavers you might try lacing them up normally and doing toe stalls back and forth, I started freestyling with modded lavers and basic toe tricks were really easy... too easy, it slowed my progress a lot and I think it probably affects other people's accuracy and balance as well.

freestyler4life · Post by **freestyler4life** » 15 Jul 2005 19:05

completly skool back to back inside stalls and try and go up and down with a heavy book like a dictionary in the clipper position or inside position

Jdigges · Post by **Jdigges** » 18 Jul 2005 07:47

Matt's advice is great. If you set the dictionary on your clipper foot and practic just holding it there it will help build the muscles you need to keep your foot cranked and steady. that was my number one problem when i first started out, my clippers were so shaky that i couldn't set the bag. The muscles in your ankles and legs need to get used to the motion, so its not stressing when you crank.

TheHostAgeSystem · Post by **TheHostAgeSystem** » 20 Jul 2005 01:25

good adive.....I have a little thing i do when i work my clippers... When you do your clippers lean into them....and if you have ever watched vasek do his clippers....try his way...You will become well balanced and your clippers well be pretty flat....and just have fun with it...Good luck on the sherd man

Colin · Post by **Colin** » 20 Jul 2005 02:58

Hey Hugh, wanna trade right ankles? That'd be great.

Sporatical_Distractions · Post by **Sporatical_Distractions** » 20 Jul 2005 15:34

i cut off my ankles last night and mailed them to Tom's house. I prefer wheelchairs to walking anyway. don't worry about shipping and handling. I took care of it

man i'm feeling woozy now

mosher · Post by **mosher** » 21 Jul 2005 03:01

Fuck yeah!!!!

WELCOME TO MODIFIED, HUGH!

I was SO excited and surprised when I read the first sentance of your post!

You have made a VERY wise decision in joining this blissfull little community!

FOOTBAG!!!!

Good luck at footbag and in life, I look forward to seeing you soon. I will be landing in Toronto on the 4th of August, we MUST get together.

Take care Hugh Calloway Martin.

xwize · Post by **xwize** » 21 Jul 2005 07:55

Colin! ...

awww ...

if i could give you mine i would!

cheers!

(i laughed when i read your post)