The Coach
September 12, 2021 7:16 PM
Flying Lesson - First Years by The Coach
There was a steady drizzle outside - one of the consequences of the charmed environment at Sonora, which mimicked the founders' home in Ireland rather than the local desert. Whilst the coach wouldn't let such a little bit of rain call off a Quidditch practice or a match, it was a different matter when dealing with people who had never flown before. They needed as few obstacles as possible to success whilst they were wobbling along, trying to grasp at the basics. Therefore, the coach had brought everyone to MARS today.The sports room could mimic something close to their outdoor environment, and the coach had taken advantage of that when the goal was to practise in adverse weather conditions and the outside world didn't provide. However, today it seemed more like a chance to change tack and do something a little different. Therefore the room was set up with three different tracks. Each was over a large pit of foam blocks, which would provide a safe, soft landing, and which the coach hoped would encourage students to take a few more risks than they might otherwise have been inclined to, even if that was just going fast enough to get the momentum required for balance. Hesitation was such a big problem for new flyers, especially as it caused the very thing they didn't want, i.e. falling, thus making them even more timid the next time they tried.
"Hello, and welcome. As we have been rained off the pitch, we have something a little different for your first flying class. Though if you are new to this, don't worry, you will still be sticking to the basics." The new flyers were the easiest to work out. It was how to keep those with more experience busy that was the challenge.
"Although this is the sports room, I would just like to emphasise that Sonora's flying curriculum is not sport-centred, but designed around flying as an essential life skill for magical people." There would be units on broom games, as that was one of the most important applications of flying, but it was far from the only one.
"Today, absolute beginners will focus on the basics, whilst those of you with a bit more experience can choose one of these two courses to focus on your agility and manoeuvring - essential skills whatever purpose you are flying for." The first most of the flying areas was simply an open space above the foam pit. The other two had identical obstacle courses, consisting of hoops, high/low beams, narrow gaps and so on, though for an added challenge on the third course, these were moving.
"Experienced flyers, you may go to one of the courses. Beginners, please collect a broom from the pile of school ones if you don't have one already." Once everyone had a broom, the coach continued. "Place it on the ground, on the same side as your wand hand, and then command it Up! Use a strong, commanding voice, like you would with a pet. Once you have it in your hand, mount up, like so. I'll check your grip and posture before you make an attempt at flying along the track."
OOC: Welcome to flying class!
As this is class, you can earn house points by posting. Points are not based on how well you claim your character does, but on your writing quality. Therefore, a post of a character struggling that is long, detailed, and realistic will score more highly than a short 'I just aced all the things' post.
Normally, you are not allowed to write for other characters, but you may use the information already given here to say the coach helped (e.g. it says the coach is checking grips, so you're allowed to say briefly that that happened and then move on with your post, e.g. 'The coach gave him a nod, so Hans set off.') Please don't write long, interactions or give the coach dialogue - the post should still be about your character. If your character is having trouble and you want a longer interaction, write '[tag coach]' in the subject line.
Whilst it is fun to cause havoc and injure your character, please remember that you are in a controlled environment amd being supervised. If it is likely and realistic that an adult would step in or another person would react, you must give them the chance to do so.
e.g.
'She tried to turn, but accidentally pulled herself off course and into the area with the intermediate flyers' - acceptable, gives others a chance to react.
'She veered off course.
"Oh no! Help!" she cried, as her broom soared upwards, out of control. She tried to steer it downwards instead but it only sped up, taking her around the room several times. She had no idea how to stop this thing! But it stopped for itself when she hit one of the obstacles, and tumbled to the ground.' - not acceptable. The coach would intervene when a student calls for help. Whoever is writing them is then stuck having to try and explain why that didn't happen, which is awkward for them.
It can sound complicated. The basic rule of thumb is that you are not writing a complete story, but a turn in a game, so leave space for other players. Any questions ask on the OOC or in chatzy.
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The Coach
Flying Lesson - First Years
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