An Ode To The Weave

Copyright © by Wil C. Fry. All rights reserved.
Used with permission

I am posting today to take a minute and post about my favorite part of any Washington Generals game against the Globetrotters the infamous figure eight weave. Arguably the most recognizable bit of any game between these two teams aside from the famous bucket of confetti.

For those who don't know what I am talking about, it is a move the Trotters play during offence that is iconic to a Washington Generals vs Globetrotter game. Three of the Globetrotters move in a figure eight pattern playing keep away from three of the Generals, occasionally throwing the ball in and out to one of their two team mates standing outside the weave. Eventually this ends with one of the Trotters breaking free and doing one of their famous trick shots.

While some might argue this is a Globetrotter trick, anyone who thinks the Generals aren't working just as hard might want to see if they can perform it themselves without getting beaned in the head.

I still remember the first time I saw this performed when I was just a wee Washington Generals fan, and although I didn't fully appreciate the Washington Generals part in this move until later I was always entranced with it. To me it did, and still does look like watching a finely choreographed dance, which is essentially what it is.

But the other reason I wanted to take a moment to post about this part of the show is because to me it highlights the best part about what the Generals are to the Globetrotters. While the Washington Generals are without a doubt excellent basketball players, what they really are to the Globetrotters, at least in my view, is their dance partners. The Globetrotters best moves happen because the Washington Generals are always where they need to be, and doing what they need to do, to set up the Globetrotters so they can wow the crowd.

Whether they are selling us that they are chasing the ball someone is dribbling back and forth but falling short of catching it, standing in the right position for the Trotters to shoot the ball between their legs, or making us believe they didn't expect their pants to be pulled down, the Washington Generals are the best dance partners anyone could ever have. And nowhere does it shine more than when both teams are performing the infamous weave.

The Washington Generals in the weave- Copyright © by Niall David. All Rights Reserved.
Used with Permission.