A How to - Get Your Lady to Play Video Games

Hey Folks,

I won't lie to you. I do like to play video games. I've heard all the data, and there are studies that state playing video games is good, and there are those that say it is bad. Now the big question for all of you is how does video games relate to Ultimate.

Pictured Above: Kieran McConnel takes a breath at Nationals 2004 in Vancouver. Kieran just left the Toronto scene for greener pastures out West.

It's pretty simple. Playing video games is a great way to train your decision making. For the rest of this post we can look at the benefits of different styles of games.

Let's start with the versus fighter. This style of game is great for reacting to what the opponent gives you. In general, the play of the game, like martial arts, is set on reacting to the opponent, adapting to the opponent, and implementing a plan. Playing against the computer is good for developing base strategies, but playing against a human opponent will allow you to see how adaption and reaction are all part of the decision process.

Next, I like the sport games. My preference is to soccer games where you have to identify where the attack points against a defense exist. This training becomes even better when a group of you can get together. Elements of team work and communication become part of your game in a matter of hours. Additionally, the team work and training element comes without the physical challenge.

Of the other sports games that I think are valuable:
- Hockey provides a fast paced game that you need to react and decide quickly.
- Football provides the perspective of a throwing decision maker, which closely translates to Ultimate. You need to watch a play unfold and pick out a target.
- Baseball is a reaction based sport that forces you to control multiple runners at the same time.
- Curling is a sport which I wish there was a good video game, much like Ultimate. I'm not sure there would be any great benefits, but man that game would rock.

Let's not leave out first person shooters. These games can provide both team communication training as well as individual reaction times. Plus your three dimensional skills of knowing where people are when they can't be seen is a great skill to have on the field.

Some additional skills that are of benefit from video games are reacting and identifying opponent styles, planning ahead, and hand eye coordination.

The machine will play with you all day and is a great and tireless training partner. We can see the value of this as more and more of these concepts are introduced into athletic domains. Examples like the race car driver and golfer, where in both cases the video game provides virtual access to their courses. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

Too many people discount video games, but I honestly believe they are one of the least respected and yet one of the best training tools for team sports. One of the best things is only your thumbs get worn out. See you on the virtual field.

PJ