In an earlier blog I mentioned that guts, the original extreme sport, was in decline. It seemed like the epitome of 1970s machismo – all bare-chested, hairy men with fractured fingers and broken noses. This softer, mainly indoor version could be its renaissance. It is the game for the modern age. It’s not dangerous, you won’t get injured but, boy, is it fun! I am hoping to start a YouTube channel dedicated to all things Wabd… and one of the first downloads will be a video of soft guts.
This version of guts can be played indoors or out. I’ve played it indoors in my flat and a particularly gruelling episode in a hotel corridor on the Lancashire coast (where the above maxim that you wont get hurt didn’t hold true). If you’re playing indoors be sensible. Although the pocket discs were made to be safe and to be thrown indoors they will still knock your valuables off the mantelpiece. Clear everything of value out of the way. Don’t worry about windows, televisions etc, the indoor pocket disc will not break them.
First of all the disc. I use the cotton, material Frisbees from PHD Pocket Disc (www.pocketdisc.com). They are currently available from Amazon in the UK for about £18. They fly really well both backhand and forehand (and my boy does a mean hammer throw with them as well!). There are other Frisbees available as well but they are not as good. You might be able to get other brands or you could make your own if you handy with knitting needles but these things-of-beauty are the best that I’ve seen and used.
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The players: the number of players for the indoor version is determined by the size available. I live in a flat and play one-a-side. If you live in a mansion you may want a greater number of participants. The outdoor version played at the park or beach is only limited by your popularity!
The court. The indoor court is determined by how much space you have. I think you need to be at least 6 yards apart.
The score – this should be a quick game taking no more than 20 minutes. We play the best of three sets, first to 5 points in each set. Swap sides after each set. But play to whatever score suits you. You will score a point if you throw a catchable throw that the opposition fail to grasp.
The throw. Just like in proper guts a throw will only count if it is catchable. In our game that means that the throw must be above the knees and within reach of outstretched arms. A ‘bad’ throw does not result in any score. Use any throw you like – forehand, backhand. A hammer is possible and is very difficult to catch.
The catch. Adults have to catch the disc one-handed. Kids are allowed to use both. Unlike the proper version, trapping of the disc against any part of the body is allowed. Because of this variation players of different skill levels or ages are able to compete against each other.
