Additional Writers wanted for The Tweak

[WEIRDWOLF]

The pay sucks but the hours are long!
We need at least two seriously dedicated, hobby loving writers to add to the full time staff for The Tweak who are willing to write at least 4 articles per year and can meet a firm deadline. You must have a well rounded knowledge of the hobby and be willing to make phone call interviews and do research. Oh, and did I mention, meet a deadline with a well written and researched article.

The current staff is doing all we can, but the task, is at times, over whelming. We really need more of the membership to take a serious involvement in what we are doing in regards to the magazine and hope that we can solve this by adding more actual staff.

If you are interested in this, please email myself weirdwolf@weirdwolf.net or Matt Culp. mmmculp@comcast.net

[wolverine]

lynn i sent a passing/running QB story...about 5 months ago

[WEIRDWOLF]

Originally Posted by wolverine

lynn i sent a passing/running QB story...about 5 months ago

Yep, it's going in this issue.

[SmokeStack]

Gents,

I have a suggestion (I know you have a tips section for hobbyists) but think the topic deserves better mention a few times a year. Meaning a little straight talk never hurts. So we are clear: the Combine (your practice or pre-game time) is vastly different from tweaking... Now that I have your attention...

Top Ten Things you can do right now to improve your team or level of play:

#1 - Establish a mentorship relationship with someone who has played competively for more than 5 years in multiple leagues. Even if it is a PM dialogue or E-mail thread. Don't be afraid to ask the dumb questions.

#2 - Purge your box of the less desirable figures or weakest bases on a regular (that means once per month in season) interval. I suggest cycling in 5-6 new bases as often as you can. It looks great to be able to field a 100 man squad on two sides of a large warhammer carrying case. Chances are - only 35 or so of these are your real gamers. If you have much more than that - then you should not be wasting your time reading this.

Sometimes you have to manage your travel budget. Meaning - if you don't truly expect to use certain poses or figures then don't get distracted by having to wade through them during a critical game. Deactivate them.

#3 - Become intimate with your figures and bases. Know their limitations and strengths. This comes from repetition and practice. I once watched (he knows who he is) a coach run his offensive line through pre-game rituals. I swear that each one wore a swath 100 yards long through the middle of the hash marks in under 4.7. I asked him if they were strong. He just looked at me. I found out once we started playing. His offensive line was not only powerful they made the flying wedge look like it had been reincarnated for this one game.

#4 - Get organized. It might mean something as simple as numbering the rear of your RB bases to correspond to line gaps. Having an "N" on the back of the base means little unless you know how to use its skill and strength. Not every sword carrier became a ninja over night.

Nothing worse than having your back zig left when he should be zigging right (into the 6 hole) in a key matchup. Or, try getting some three by five cards to list your special teams line ups so that you aren't scrambling around looking for players. I saw someone affix this to the inside of his plastic case. Brilliant.

#5 - Use Scouting Combine toys - It might mean acquiring a custom sled or set of cones or O-Line cage. The simplest device is $2 package consisting of a roll of magnetic strip with adhesive backing. Roll out and cut four equal strips of about 2 3/4" or 3" each at most. Remove paper to expose adhesive side on two strips. Affix these two adhesive backed sides together - EVENLY. Repeat for the second side. Now apply these to your board (I hope its magnetic) in a parallel fashion about 1" or so apart.

You now have a testing or proving ground for testing the relative strength of your bases. You can use your imagination about how these simple strips can be used in other drills. Example, if you are testing strong DB's against your #1 or #2 WR's and the DB pushes your WR back outside of the magnet area 7 or 8 times out of ten. You note that the WR arcs immediately to the right each time. Chances are you want this guy on the left side or in a slot. Or maybe you put him in the backfield. You don't want him on an island on the far right side for obvious reasons. Your opponent will always have a few strong corners. Were do you think he will use these if he thinks he knows who and where your #1 and #2 lines up each play? So......

#6 - Shower your team with affection - that means placing them in a secure carrying case. Refrain from letting people handle your figures if they are insensitive to subtle changes they can make when they fat finger the bottom of your star bases. If you must eat while playing - I suggest strips instead of wings...

Sneak another board clean at half-time. I often clean opposing coaches boards as a gesture. I just believe that finger oils and sweat are not conducive to true harmony on board surface. Plus, if you spent three figures for your team - you would kinda like to keep them for a few years...

#7 - Find time to practice. This might mean getting up very early on game day or arriving early for your game. Practice time is quiet time so minimizing interruptions is key. "I haven't opened my box all week usually translates to bad things during a game..." Get a spiral notebook and take notes about things you observe during these warmups. Or, jot down what you want to accomplish in a game. Check your notes when the game is over. Note: Your bases or his mad strong team usually don't lose games for you - it is usually a few mistakes or bad decisions YOU made during the game.

It might look like this:

a. Establish run stop defense early - force this running team to pass.
b. Manage time effectively - use your time outs if you get flustered
c. Use key players on special teams to improve success
d. Select only high percentage pass attempts

#8 - Keep your board clean and free of lint at all times. Secure your board when transporting it. Subtle changes in motor mounts or side rail placement affect harmonics and can shift your sweet spot. So handle with care.


#9 - Watch how other league mates handle pressure or adversity. Learn to watch and listen effectively. One of the most successful coaches I know began by attending a few tournaments and league games. What did he do better than anyone for 14-18 months? He watched intently (his chin often perched on the boards side rails) and he only asked questions that he truly wanted answered. Success in games is often mental. It is often 100 or so little things you do a few hundred feet from the playing area that determine how well you do. Be adaptive and resilient. Don't play into your opponents strength. If he passes 9 times outta ten - chances are eight in a box or having 3 or 4 run play LB's on the field is not wise. A dime package with lots of safety support over the top might be better.

#10 - Do your thing. Meaning whatever your niche is (that works) use it to your advantage. If you have the best field goal kicker then endeavor to get into field goal range. If you are a pin point passer then refrain from rugby scrums. These are great for rugby. If you are like me and can't fling a pea into the sea without hitting the side of the boat - well you get the picture...

Play On.

[artlax]

Looks like the making a fine article to me.

[raiderhp]

I would like to participate as one of the writers.


raiderhp

[Silverhorse 228]

...any help anyone wants to give...Smokestack...Raiderhp...you are in! Please send me a pm with your name, address and phone number and we can discuss what you guys would like to contribute.

Anyone else out there...send me an e-mail or just call me at 574-722-1204. I would love to talk miniature football with anyone, because I love this hobby.

Thanks wolfy for starting this thread!

God Bless everyone and Happy New Year!