How does the Discover Your Game Throttle improve lacrosse shooting technique. What makes the Throttle different from traditional training methods. Why is proper overhand shooting crucial in lacrosse. How can players of all heights benefit from using the Throttle.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Training: Introducing the Discover Your Game Throttle
Lacrosse players and coaches have long sought innovative ways to enhance shooting techniques, particularly when it comes to perfecting the overhand shot. The Discover Your Game (DYG) Throttle emerges as a groundbreaking training tool designed to address the limitations of traditional shooting drills while providing a safe and effective method for players to hone their skills.
The Importance of Proper Overhand Shooting in Lacrosse
Why is shooting overhand so crucial in lacrosse? Coaches like Dave Cottle have achieved remarkable success by emphasizing this technique. An effective overhand shot requires several key components:
- Positioning hands behind the ear
- Keeping arms away from the body
- Snapping wrists at the shot’s highest point
- Following through after release
Mastering these elements can significantly improve a player’s shot power, accuracy, and overall effectiveness on the field.
Limitations of Traditional Shooting Drills
How have lacrosse players traditionally practiced overhand shooting? The conventional method involves setting up two goals approximately 12 yards apart, with players instructed to shoot over the first goal and into the second. However, this approach has several drawbacks:
- Risk of stick damage when hitting the first goal
- Encouragement of weak shooting to avoid obstacles
- Height discrepancies among players affecting drill effectiveness
- Difficulty in proper execution for younger or shorter players
- Challenges in off-hand shooting practice
These limitations often result in suboptimal training experiences and potential skill development plateaus for players across various age groups and skill levels.
The DYG Throttle: A Revolutionary Approach to Shooting Practice
How does the Discover Your Game Throttle address the shortcomings of traditional training methods? This innovative tool incorporates several key features designed to enhance the shooting practice experience:
Dual Breakaway System
What sets the Throttle apart in terms of safety? The device features a dual breakaway system that allows its swing arm to move forward and downward upon impact. This design significantly reduces the risk of stick damage, enabling players to practice with confidence and focus on technique rather than equipment concerns.
Height Adjustability
How does the Throttle accommodate players of different heights? The tool’s vertical adjustment mechanism allows for quick and easy customization to suit players ranging from young children to tall adults. This versatility ensures that all players can practice proper technique regardless of their physical stature.
Stability and Durability
Is the Throttle stable enough for intense training sessions? Despite its adjustability, the device maintains excellent stability due to its robust base design. Even when extended to its maximum height, the Throttle remains firmly in place, allowing players to practice with full force without fear of tipping or damage.
Practical Applications and Benefits of the DYG Throttle
How can players and coaches incorporate the Throttle into their training regimens? The versatility of this tool allows for a wide range of applications:
- Perfecting overhand shooting technique
- Practicing shooting through checks
- Improving follow-through mechanics
- Enhancing off-hand shooting skills
- Developing muscle memory for proper arm positioning
By consistently using the Throttle, players can experience noticeable improvements in their shooting technique in as little as 15 minutes, with the potential for long-lasting skill enhancement.
The DYG Throttle Light: Expanding Accessibility for Youth Players
How does Discover Your Game cater to younger lacrosse enthusiasts? The company has introduced the Throttle Light, a compact version of their popular training tool designed specifically for youth players. This smaller, more portable device offers several advantages:
- Easy setup using existing structures (e.g., trees, poles)
- Compressed breakaway system for added safety
- Lightweight design for increased portability
- Adjustable straps for secure attachment
- Affordability for individual players or smaller programs
The Throttle Light brings the benefits of advanced training techniques to a broader audience, ensuring that players can develop proper shooting mechanics from an early age.
Comparing the DYG Throttle to Traditional Training Methods
How does the Throttle stack up against conventional shooting drills? Let’s examine the key differences:
Aspect | Traditional Method | DYG Throttle |
---|---|---|
Safety | Risk of stick damage | Breakaway system prevents damage |
Adaptability | Fixed height, limited adjustments | Fully adjustable for all player heights |
Technique Focus | May encourage weak shooting | Promotes proper form and follow-through |
Versatility | Limited to basic overhand shots | Allows for various shot types and drills |
Feedback | Limited visual feedback | Immediate feedback on technique |
The Throttle’s design addresses many of the shortcomings of traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive and effective training experience.
Integrating the DYG Throttle into Team Training Sessions
How can coaches incorporate the Throttle into their team practices? Here are some strategies for maximizing the tool’s effectiveness:
- Station-based training: Set up multiple Throttles for small group rotations
- Individual skill development: Use during warm-ups or cool-downs
- Competitive drills: Create shooting contests using the Throttle as a target
- Off-hand practice: Dedicate sessions to weak-hand shooting technique
- Position-specific training: Tailor drills for attackers, midfielders, and defenders
By integrating the Throttle into various aspects of team training, coaches can ensure consistent technique development across all players.
The Science Behind Effective Lacrosse Shooting Mechanics
Why is proper shooting technique so crucial in lacrosse? Understanding the biomechanics of an effective shot can help players and coaches appreciate the value of tools like the DYG Throttle:
Kinetic Chain in Lacrosse Shooting
How does energy transfer through the body during a shot? The kinetic chain in lacrosse shooting involves:
- Lower body drive: Initiating power from the legs and core
- Torso rotation: Transferring energy through the midsection
- Shoulder and arm extension: Channeling force into the stick
- Wrist snap: Imparting final acceleration to the ball
The Throttle helps players focus on the upper body components of this chain, ensuring proper arm positioning and wrist action for optimal energy transfer.
Muscle Memory and Repetition
Why is consistent practice with proper form essential? Developing muscle memory through repetitive, correct motions is key to improving shooting technique. The Throttle provides a consistent reference point for players to reinforce proper mechanics, allowing for more efficient skill acquisition and retention.
Customizing Throttle Training for Different Player Positions
How can players in various positions benefit from using the DYG Throttle? While the tool is primarily designed for improving shooting technique, it can be adapted to enhance position-specific skills:
Attackmen
- Quick-release shots from tight angles
- Shooting on the run and dodging drills
- Developing precise shot placement
Midfielders
- Long-range shooting accuracy
- Transitioning from running to shooting
- Improving weak-hand proficiency
Defenders
- Clearing passes and outlet throws
- Long-pole shooting technique
- Defensive stick work and checks
By tailoring drills to specific positional needs, coaches can maximize the Throttle’s utility across the entire team.
The Future of Lacrosse Training: Innovations and Trends
What does the future hold for lacrosse training technology? The DYG Throttle represents a significant step forward in technique-focused training tools, but the industry continues to evolve. Some emerging trends include:
- Integration of sensor technology for real-time feedback
- Virtual reality training simulations
- AI-powered technique analysis and correction
- Customizable, modular training systems
- Increased focus on sport-specific fitness and conditioning
As these technologies develop, tools like the Throttle may incorporate additional features to provide even more comprehensive training experiences.
Maximizing Return on Investment: Getting the Most Out of Your DYG Throttle
How can players and coaches ensure they’re making the most of their Throttle investment? Consider these tips for optimal usage:
- Establish a consistent training schedule
- Vary drills to maintain engagement and target different skills
- Combine Throttle usage with video analysis for comprehensive feedback
- Encourage players to set personal goals and track progress
- Integrate Throttle training with game-like scenarios and decision-making drills
By approaching Throttle training strategically, teams and individuals can maximize skill development and see tangible improvements on the field.
Conclusion: The DYG Throttle as a Catalyst for Lacrosse Skill Development
The Discover Your Game Throttle represents a significant advancement in lacrosse training technology, addressing many of the limitations associated with traditional shooting drills. By providing a safe, adjustable, and versatile platform for technique improvement, the Throttle enables players of all ages and skill levels to refine their shooting mechanics efficiently.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, innovative training tools like the Throttle will play an increasingly important role in player development. Whether used by individual players, small groups, or entire teams, the DYG Throttle offers a valuable resource for those seeking to elevate their game and achieve peak performance on the lacrosse field.
Throttle Lacrosse Training Tool By Discover Your Game
The Discover Your Game Throttle takes a popular drill for improving shot technique and perfects it. Every coach has yelled at some point to “SHOOT OVERHAND” and coaches like Dave Cottle have been incredibly successful with this shot so there is a definite reason to shoot overhand. But shooting over hand isn’t just about going over hand; you need to get your hands behind your ear, arms away from the body, snap your wrists at the high point of the shot and follow through.
When I was in school and until recently as a coach I have always used 1 goal about 12 yards in front of another and warned players not to hit the first cage as it could break their stick. This encourages weak shooting and assumes everyone is of the right height to make a 6 foot tall goal work to get the arms away from the body. I’ve coached several youth and assisted multiple high school programs and you know I noticed it before that this drill is flawed. Elementary school kids by and large are too short causing them to lob the ball over the top and making the drill feel worthless to them where high school players typically are in the 5’10- 6’3 range so with cleats on they are looking at the top of the cage anyway defeating the purpose of getting your hands high and over the goal and often causing a late snap release on the ball and poor shooting.
In the video I tell Garrett he looks a little cramped and having watched players from Maryland, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Texas on the field this is a common issue across every age group even adults. The issue only gets worse in the off hand and I have seen more than one stick break over a goal when people try to shoot offhanded and just muscle it.
Long intro I know but it was necessary the DYG Throttle does what we have done in swimming for years (my title has a reason I was a D1 level swimmer that decided to play lacrosse in college). By creating a tool that works technique with little to no chance of negative effect. The Throttle has a dual break away system allowing it’s swing are to breakaway forward and down so that if the stick hits the Throttle it will not break. Feel free to run drills on shooting through checks the Throttle can handle it. During the instruction videos Ryan Small (University of Maryland) the owner of the company runs question mark drills shooting through a check with no damage to the system. I decided to test this with my nephew who shoots in the upper 80’s and is looking at colleges, time and again he crushed the swing arm on the Throttle with no damage to either his stick or the Throttle itself. The dual break away system in the Throttle has provided a great system to work on following through on a check without risk of snapping sticks or hurting a player.
The Throttle also allows for quick adjustment for literally any height. The team I coach has players sizing from a very small 6 year old to a pretty tall high school player who is a long pole at 6’6. The Throttles vertical adjustment allows for all heights to be properly adjusted to and used with confidence. I worried with long poles in the upper height range that it may tip over, no need to worry here at all. The Throttle is not a light device and most of this is in the base of the structural support so even at nearly 12 feet in the air making contact the Throttle never budged. The setup for this is even easy as evidenced by two of my players, Aiden and Andrew, who were seeing the Throttle for the first time setting it up with about 15 seconds of instruction and immediately working on technique.
At any level the DYG Throttle is a must for any program looking to improve their players skill to top notch levels. You will never be disappointed in picking up a Throttle and will notice improvement in as little as 15 minutes that can last a lifetime.
Learn more about Discover Your Game
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Discover Your Game’s Throttle Light is the little brother to DYG’s Throttle Pro. The Throttle Light is an over-hand shot trainer that helps increase shot speed and accuracy and sharpen your technique. The Throttle Light uses any study upright object (such as a tree or telephone pole) and a compressed breakaway system that removes the fear of breaking your stick while providing versatility. The Throttle Light is intended for the youth player and is very easy to set up by placing it over your shoulder and using the buckles to tighten down to the post. Once reasonably tightened, adjust the height to line up with the throat of your stick, tighten the straps fully, and begin shooting. The buckles on these straps lock down automatically and hold up to a hard shot without loosening which is great.
The Throttle Light is a perfect pick up for any parent looking for a great trainer to accompany their player’s goal or coach looking to take their team to the next level on a budget.
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Lacrosse – SportResult
Almost every nation has its own national game, the rules of which are rooted in antiquity. There is one among the Indians, who have retained part of the traditions despite many years of living on reservations and due to other oppressions. This is lacrosse, a kind of field hockey. It combines elements of endurance, agility, partly contact wrestling like in American football. In this article we will look at the history, features of this sport.
What is lacrosse?
Lacrosse is initially quite an aggressive sport. European colonists later modified it, significantly reducing the level of violence. At the same time, efforts were made to make the sport professional. Externally, the process looks rather unusual. Men in protective equipment with “nets” are trying to drive a small hard ball into the opponents’ goal. At first, the fight looks comical, but gradually it captures the entertainment.
How lacrosse is played:
- Rubber ball weighing 140-146 g, diameter 62.8-64.8 mm.
- Stick with a long handle, called a stick.
- Protective equipment including helmet, gloves, etc.
Materials vary by competition. In their modern form, they are regulated by the World Lacrosse Organization, the only association that recognizes Native American tribes as sovereign nations. Sports have been represented at the Olympic Games several times – in 1928, 1932 and 1948. Today, it continues to be developed at the amateur level, for example, in February 2023, the Winter Cup tournament was held in St. Petersburg.
“Lacrosse”: translation and etymology of the word
The word “Lacrosse” came into use around 1855, when a dentist from Canada decided to establish a club dedicated to lacrosse. Despite the “birth” on the American continent, the term came from the French language: La Crosse means “club” in translation. The message for this event was a competition between Canadians and Native Americans, Indians (1844).
Interesting! Lacrosse is one of the first official sports in Canada.
The current rules were developed later in the 1860s. The sport saw a resurgence in the early 2000s with the introduction of a professional men’s lacrosse league in the United States. He “came” to Russia relatively recently, in 2007, when the first domestic team Moscow Rebels appeared, founded by American David Diamonon.
Lacrosse: what is it in Indian history?
To understand what lacrosse really is, how it differs from analogues, it is worth looking into the past. The first prototype of the game was known in what is now Canada as early as 1100 AD. It was used in the preparation of soldiers, for the peaceful resolution of domestic issues. When settling the continent, European settlers gradually got acquainted with the traditions of the “locals”. So, by the 17th century, the game had already been documented by Jesuit missionaries.
Features of the “original”:
- A wooden ball about 76 mm in diameter was used.
- Instead of a stick, there was a long stick with a mesh-hoop at the end.
- No protection was originally intended.
The traditional version was for 100 to 1000 people, so a field several miles long was used. The games lasted for 2-3 days and lasted from sunrise to dawn. They were performed either as a sign of gratitude to the creator / Master, or as a kind of symbolic war, a ceremonial ritual. When Europeans joined the games of the local tribe of the Iroquois, the game began to turn into a regular sporting event.
See also: CrossFit
Variations of Lacrosse
Almost until 1930, the game of lacrosse was played on large fields, as tradition demanded. But it was adapted for profit, reducing the size of the arena for the convenience of organizing paid events. The so-called box lacrosse or box lacrosse appeared. Games began to be held on the hockey field, from where the ice was removed or replaced with artificial turf. Each team consists of six players.
Mandatory condition – the playing area is enclosed in a rectangular line. The goal lines are smaller, 4 by 4 feet at both ends of the field. From that moment on, there were requirements for protective ammunition for the goalkeeper in the form of a bib and Uppers armlets, large Led Pads and a mask (helmet) in a hockey style, but made specifically for lacrosse. The former version of the game began to be called “field”: the rules are almost the same, only teams consist of 10 people.
Women’s lacrosse or lax develops separately. He appeared in 1890 year in Scotland, at St. Leonard’s School, located in the city of St. Andrews. The rules here are noticeably different from the “male” despite the common roots. For example, physical contact of athletes is excluded. The only protective equipment is a mask, but it is considered mandatory only in the United States, in other countries they are not allowed to be used.
Features of the game of lacrosse
The traditional lacrosse sport is always played outdoors, while the “box version” is only played indoors. In the women’s field requirements are similar to the male “field”. Protective equipment is mandatory for men, regardless of the type of competition. Before the start of the game, it is mandatory to check for sticking the ball to the hands in order to exclude fraudulent actions on the part of the players of one of the teams.
Typical conditions for the “classic” game:
- Standard field size 100×55 m.
- Goal areas are located at a distance of 75 m.
- The match consists of 4 periods of 15 minutes.
- Break at the beginning and at the end of 2 minutes, in the middle of 10 minutes.
- In case of a draw, additional periods of 4 minutes are given before the first goal.
In women’s lacrosse, the distance between the goals has been increased to 92 meters, the number of matches is only two. True, they last for 25 minutes. Protection is also worn here, but only on the goalkeeper, who is wearing a helmet, shin guards and a chest pad. The rest of it is unnecessary, because. contact between players is prohibited. The size of the gate is the same in any case – 1.83×1.83 meters. The clubs of all participants in the game are the same, with the exception of four players who are allowed long ones.
See also: Football club rating
How to play lacrosse?
The purpose of lacrosse is to score as many balls as possible into the opponent’s goal. Plays two teams with an equal number of players, on equal terms. The ball can be carried, hit and thrown with a club, rolled and kicked in any direction within the field. The time of the match is fixed by a stopwatch. At the end of each quarter, the teams change places, which somewhat complicates the task, does not give the opportunity to “adapt to the field.”
Three basic rules for moving the sword:
- The goalkeeper must return the projectile to play no later than 4 seconds after catching it. In case of delay, the ball is passed to the opponent.
- The defender has the right to hold the ball only for 20 seconds, it is important to quickly pass it to a partner or send it to the opponents’ territory.
- Defenders have only 10 seconds to send a projectile to the attack zone, it’s such a big square, marked with markings.
A ball that enters the goal past the goalkeeper is worth 1 point. It is allowed to score with both a club and a foot. There are also no restrictions on the transfer to a partner. Teams are initially divided into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers. Everyone has a strictly defined role. For example, attackers are prohibited from stepping over the line that limits the opponent’s goal area (fold). According to the rules, such a violation entails the loss of possession of the ball.
Panel of judges
Three referees control the process of the game. They make sure that each player is strictly in his own zone, so that everyone respects the time limit. Physical contact is allowed in the men’s variant of the sport, so it is mandatory to check the presence of protection before the start of the game. Opponents can push each other, try to knock the ball out. For violations, the judges have the right to impose penalties in the form of a technical or personal foul.
Violations of technical rules:
- Entering the gate circle.
- Holding the sword too long.
- Interference with players not in possession of the projectile.
- Pushing the opponent from behind.
- Waste of time (breakdown).
- Game delay.
Personal attacks include attacks by opponents with a club or with their body, if they do not have possession of the ball at the time of this action. They share excessive roughness, tripping, deliberate chopping blows to the body outside of the club and gloves. Separately, obscene signs and vocabulary are noted, in general, unsportsmanlike behavior. With a personal foul, the athlete is removed from the game for 1, 2 or 3 minutes. For 5 fouls, he can be removed from the field with a replacement for another player.
See also: Which sport is better to choose?
Players
Three forwards from each team work with a “regular” or short lacrosse stick. The task of the main player is to score goals. The rest help him with the ability to throw hard and accurately. The third striker mainly takes the ball from defense to attack, makes a pass to the second or immediately to the first. All three have to control the field from and to, in order to understand who is located where, how to quickly achieve a result in the form of a goal.
See also: The best track and field athletes
Midfielders (also three) are divided into attackers and supporters. Their task is to carry the ball into the opponent’s zone and support the attack. Mostly on them lies the throw-in, “working out” of opponents. Depending on the role, a midfielder may be given a short stick or a long stick. In any case, they are trying to quickly change them, because. this is the most mobile category of players and it will be difficult for them to work out all the matches in a row.
On defense, three players always have only long sticks. This slightly simplifies the task of deterring opponents, provoking them to lose a projectile, and reduces the risk of scoring. The goalkeeper has one goal – to stop the ball, sometimes flying at speeds up to 160 km / h. Good reflexes, physical and psychological stamina help in this. He needs to have a clearly audible voice in order to coordinate the actions of his teammates.
A team may include up to 13 substitutes. There is always one captain and four vice-captains. Before the game, it is necessary to appoint a so-called “nominal defender”, who is serving the goalkeeper’s penalties. You will also need a “home player”, he will have to be punished for fines by the coach or the entire team. In the absence of a sufficient number of substitute players, the team has the right to continue in a smaller composition (when violators are removed from the field).
Gameplay
The match begins with the ball being thrown into the field. The exception is situations when teams play in an unequal line-up or a player/coach breaks the rules before the projectile is thrown. Then it is given immediately to opponents and placed in the center of the field. In women’s lacrosse, it is also laid down in the center, without a face-off. Then two point guards stand opposite each other so that each is in his own half of the field.
They place their clubs parallel to the center line, but not touching it. Players keep their hands on the handles. Do not touch the laces or net, both gloves must be in contact with the ground. When throwing in, the referee first says the word “Set”. After such a signal, the hands of all players must remain motionless until the whistle, which means the beginning of the game. While the ball is in place, the rest of the participants do not take part in trying to move it.
Ground Rules:
- Offside – A player has “crossed the field” when any part of his body, including his stick hand, touches or crosses the center line.
- Out – the ball went out of bounds as a result of a shot or a deflected shot at goal, provided that the player remained in bounds. The ball is passed to the opponents.
- Replacement of players – the number is not limited, is carried out strictly through the “replacement zone”, when the “old” player first enters there and only then the new one enters.
- Checking or attacking the opponent – a power hold is allowed if the player of the opposing team is the owner of the projectile and is within a radius of 2.74 meters.
Screens similar to those used in basketball are also used in the game. Players are allowed to stand still in the path of an opponent’s movement. Do not firmly hold or pull the stick in the direction of another player. Such behavior may be counted as a violation and a personal foul may be awarded. But falls and collisions are still inevitable, because. the game is dynamic.
Lacrosse: video
The game held by the Lacrosse Development League in 2020 at one of the Moscow stadiums between the Bulldogs and Warriors teams:
Footage of the Russian lacrosse competition (White Knights, held in St. Petersburg in 2018):0003
Native American Games and Sports
Native American Games
Native Americans played games as part of tribal ceremonies and also to teach children skills through these games. The games were held solemnly to bring good luck such as rain, a good harvest, ward off evil spirits, or simply to bring people together for a common goal. Boys and girls played separately. Native Americans valued skill, talent, and discipline. The girls learned about childcare during the boys’ games and were directed to help them learn about war and hunting. The games were either games of chance or games of skill. Chance involved luck, while games of skill involved physical and mental ability. In the end, enjoyment was critical, as was learning. The winners were rewarded and admired.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse was and still is a famous game in America. Very popular among Indian games, lacrosse involved passing the ball with clubs with a net attached at the end. The game was so popular that it could last from dusk to dawn. In addition to entertainment, the game was sometimes used to harden young warriors, as well as to resolve disputes between tribes. The brutality of the game can lead to injury to the players.
Bowl Game
This game was a favorite among the Iroquois, especially during the Midwinter Festival. The game involved six white balls on one side and black on the other, white with a wooden bowl. With the nuts inside the bowl, the player hit the bowl on the ground. If at least 5 balls were of the same color, that particular player received a point. It was gambling. Played to teach the players that it is good to work hard and fight to achieve their dreams.
Club Ring Game
Club Ring Game is one of the most popular Native American games played by children. The children tied a string to the end of the stick, and a ring to the end of the string. The player threw the ring into the air and tried to catch it with the sharp side of the stick. Play has been instrumental in teaching children the importance of having a goal or dream, as well as the importance of hand-eye coordination.
Butterfly Hide and Seek
The game was a very cute game played by little girls. The girl closed her eyes and sang: “Butterfly, butterfly, show me where to go.” The rest will hide quickly, but quietly. The singer then had to look for other girls without saying another word. It was a game of skill, and an experienced girl could identify a secret place by following the tracks left by those who were hiding.
Moccasin game
The game was a very noisy game that was played only with the permission of the elders. Two teams played the game “seekers” and “keepers”. All that was needed was four moccasins, a stone and a stick. The singer sang to tease the other team; the goalkeeper hid one pebble in one of the moccasins, and the finder had to find the stone. This game was used to teach children team play.
September game
September was a “sleep game”. It has been used to make children fall asleep after a busy day. Someone sang a song with funny phrases and without warning stopped singing and said “sep”. Everyone had to be silent until someone picked up the song. Children who have been quiet and asleep will be rewarded the next day. It was a disciplined game.
The game “Snow snakes”
The game “snow snakes” was played in winter when the village men returned from the annual hunt. The villagers played against each other. It was a game of skill and a team sport. Each player had curved wood that looked like a snake. Then the playing teams had to drag the log through the snow to form a trough. The goal of the game was to throw your snake as fast and as far as possible to win points for your team. The winner gets the best result.
Hand game
This game was played by two teams. One team quickly passed around a small ball or bone. The opposing team tried to guess which of the other team had the item. A correct guess was rewarded by earning a point. The game then went to the other team. It was a game of skill.
Double ball game
It was played with 2 or 3 opposing teams and the targets were almost a mile apart.