[WEIRDWOLF]

I personally have never had an issue with sticks. Time to throw really comes down to the rules. If you enforce a timing as is done in the Shootout rules, I don't think sticks slow it much more then searching for my QB and ball. On the plus side, dice are simpler to have available then a set of sticks but I am with the other guys in regards to the luck issue.

SO, here is what I think.
Throwing with a QB has to be in the game. period.
However stop and pop the reciever takes some of the strategy out of the game for the defense. (this is why I like sticks because of what it adds to the defensive strategy)

So, how can we have a pass thrown quickly to a spot on the field (simulates a ball in the air) that the reciever and the defender have a chance at that does not involve the use of sticks.

How about removing some of the reality of ball in the air time and just simply say. Hit the reciever with the pass and place a ball marker two base lengths from reciever to the ball placement. First one in the halo (distance for halo to be determined but maybe 2 yards for example) of the ball or touches the ball for completion. Touch the ball you get to advance it. Just in the halo, down at that spot. This must be done within a certain time frame.

Simplicity and less equipment needs. QB is involved and defensive strategy is still employed.

Just some thoughts for a thought provoking post. Good discussion!

One last thought. The more I read about weighted bases and the stability of them on the field the more inclined I am to believe that this also important to attracting a new person. I wish their was a standard weight set that could be cilpped into any existing base. Something that would standardize the amount of weight that could be added in increments. A set of .5 gram weights. The more you add the heavier it gets but would limit the overall weight to how many could actually fit under the base.

Manufacturers could start producing bases with thicker tops is another possible way.