I'll Never Nail it In ... Again

In "Ultimate News Vol. 26 No. 2" there was an interesting article about spiking the disc. Well, it's my turn to put a perspective on this topic.

Pictured Above: Capitals at UPA championships.

I think the spike comes down to one simple fact. Does spiking help or hurt your team?

First, let us look to where the spike is from. The two sports that come to mind are the footballs (world and North America). In either of these sports, the spike or celebration, is an over the top celebration that is mainly (most cases) for the sake of the fans and television. I do not think, other than the bumps and hugs, that there is really any advantage for your own team over the basic momentum swing of scoring. In these sports, the opponents are similarly not affected by the celebration. In these sports, the over-the-top celebration is the norm (at the pro level).

We should also note that in both sports (at the professional level) fines are handed out for taunting opponents. At the recreational level taunting results in penalties and cards.

I guess my first question is how many times is a spike non taunting in Ultimate. My feeling is never. Sure people will say they're spiking because the point was a real challenge, or it was really big, but it all comes down to I'm spiking because I beat you. As a member of a sport where I tend to brag to other non-Ultimate types that Ultimate is amazing mainly because of the fun, respect, and self-officiated parts of the game. Spiking does not fit into any of these categories.

You might not buy my first argument about spiking, so let's take another look at the spike. Let's ask the question, does the spike benefit your team.

It is likely that a spike pumps up your team. Why does it excite the team; well basically, the team is celebrating success. But was the spike needed? I'll argue no. We also need to consider will anyone on your team be affected by the spike. I would argue yes, and the impact is embarrassment by teammates of a spiker. Just like watching your teammate make an ass of themselves arguing or making a bad call, a spike can have similar results.

My last point is, does the spike pump up the opponents? Even if it doesn't, just the risk of pumping up your opponents and losing the momentum swing should be enough risk to not spike.

I'm against spiking. I've done it once, and I regret the action. I guess it's just another perspective, but I find professional team that treat scoring like an expectation and not a great momentous occasion that only comes like a rare goal or touchdown in football.

PJ