I will make a new format

Instead of describing each and every move, which is honestly close to impossible, I will just make a checklist of the vital tiny details that ensure success of the technique.  But I will do this in my next entry.

What I've learned tonight:

1. A better sidemount escape. Version 1 needs a spin to position myself to the knees.  Version 2 is when my opponent held me at the hip close to him. I will make a "pogi pose" or "telephone move" then spin away to get on my knees.

2. Lapel chokes. Version 1 is using my op's lapel to wring around his neck and then use my four fingers of my other hand to secure the choke on his left collar.  Version 2 is using my own lapel to wring his neck and then post my head to his hip to do a somersault.

3. A better armbar escape. Hard to do, but what I should do is turn my hand like answering the phone then turn away then get on my knees.  Hard to describe here. But I hope the checklist would help. But I should do this BEFORE my op lies down.

4. A better scissor sweep. I already know how. But the small detail is my leg should be approx. under his chin. Push the leg and kick with the other on his chest while I straighten my body.

5. A better spider sweep. This was actually taught to Miss J. You step on the thigh then you step on the bicep. Flatten the other leg then put it close to your op's thigh. Then swing.

6. Escape from 69.  I'm not convinced yet.  But it's pretty similar to sidemount escape.

7. Counter sweep the scissors.  I keep forgetting it, but I should plant my leg then on the sweep I just plant my kneecap on the mat. OR I can experiment with the hip swing.

That's all for now. 

Hip Pass

Grab ankles when opponent is on his back.  Close his legs and use your thighs to lock his feet.  Grab the fabric close to his armpit.  Wait for him to turn.  Then turn your body towards the direction he's leading you.  Your belt should be aligned to his hips.  Make the pass. 

A better Triangle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN7LopBSomk

Btw, I was sick for an entire month! I hope I could train this Wednesday!

My DEFTAC song

Dm C Dm
DEF is our alphabet
Dm
When you take a C
C         Dm
You better ACT
Dm C Dm
Cuz DEF is the winner's bet.
Dm
It's the greatest B
C  Dm
in the JJ tree.
Chorus:
F C
DEF and TAC
C C2 C F
D is dreaming
C F
that ends our fear...
F C
DEF and TAC
C C2 C F
The team's our trophy
C F
Afresh and Clean!

We are DEF to all TH-reat
We're training here , you see
To bleach their Be-LTs
Cuz we'll DEF-initely tap the best.
We are the greatest B
in the JJ tree!
(chorus)

New passes

The Saulo pass:

1. Assume the position.
2. Post with one leg and use that to move diagonally.
3. Push down the hand that holds the leg.

Another variation:

1. Post using  your head.
2. Keep elbows in.
3. You may arch your back a little to get space.
4. Move in diagonal position while attempting a pass.

Indonesia 1:0 Philippines

On the second leg, well, Indonesia scored again thanks to Uruguayan striker Gonzalez.

But this AFF Cup will not be remembered because of whoever wins the Cup, but rather, because the Philippines finally woke up in football. Proof?  The Azkals got one of the top ten stories from Sports Illustrated.

Merry Christmas to all, and Have a Happy New Year!!!

Philippines 0:1 Indonesia

On my way home, I've noticed that people did not appear hurried, quiet, unexcited, oblivious that the Azkals will compete against Indonesia in half an hour. We still have a long way to go for football to become popular in the country. After a long ride by train, I stole a look at a bar that showed the Indo vs. Phil game. The food was quite expensive. And I was mulling whether to grab a bite to eat but I was alone and the people looked too classy to befriend. I approached a waitress and asked her if the people inside were having a private function. She said "yes". Dang.  I had to watch outside.

Azkals despite showing good defense, were often outpaced and the ball often intercepted by the Indo players (Timnas). We're too slow. Deep inside, I thought that we would be outscored soon enough. The game reminded me of a Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspurs match that aired in Star Sports a few weeks ago. The Spurs had relied on headers and fast legs to dominate the match 2:1. I was crushed at my beloved team's loss. But it was a match I have none to blame for. The Spurs were getting better even in the Champion's League. Yet they couldn't get past Manchester United, but I digress. Indo sort of played like the Spurs minus the headers. Azkals should need a lot of training in passing, and they relied on long shots and prayers that the ball wouldn't land at the opposing player. The lucky goal was scored by an Uruguayan named Christian Gonzales. Etheridge probably did not trust his defender to block the kick or he knew the ball's possible trajectory on his left wing is dangerous so he did the right thing except he missed.

Sad, but Etheridge was careful ever since. But we had lots of opportunities. I was shocked one time that Younghusband was tripped within the penalty box yet the referee did not call for a penalty kick. And Indos kept on faking injuries to the point of being carried by stretcher to waste time. Dirty tricks indeed considering they have more professional players than ours (pro and semi-pro from the Air Force). And sports analysts said that the Azkals played too clean.

After the game, I expected a huge disappearance in fansites. But I was mistaken!  Fans remained optimistic as ever. They expressed support for the team and were expecting a victory on the second leg!  I hope so!