THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, May 13, 1996 TAG: 9605130167
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
The soccer ball is knocked out of bounds by a defender in the Kellam offensive zone and there's an immediate buzz of anticipation from Knights fans.
It's showtime for Chris Phelan.
The Kellam senior dashes from his sweeper position to grab the ball, backs up about 15-20 yards, then starts running with the ball toward the playing field. When Phelan nears the sideline, he goes into a forward flip that takes him into a momentary handstand on top of the ball.
That's right, a forward flip into a handstand on top of the ball.
From there, Phelan whips his body forward and the instant both feet touch the ground, he hurls the ball with two hands toward the goal.
FLIP THROW!
While some others - like Chris Lane of Ocean Lakes - prefer the flip throw to the conventional upright, two-handed, two-feet-on-the-ground throw-in, Phelan is the best flip thrower in South Hampton Roads. In the past two years he's been credited with a pair of goals when his throw-ins were deflected into the net by defenders. Phelan, who will be displaying his skill in the Beach District tournament this week, has also registered two assists with the flip throw.
In his hands, the flip throw is as much an offensive weapon as a display of acrobatics.
``It makes the throw-in just like a free kick, you get more distance and speed than on a regular throw-in,'' said Phelan, who can throw the ball nearly 35 yards to the far goal post.
``Oh, it's a great weapon,'' said Steve Jolley, a rising senior at William and Mary who was one of the area pioneers in the flip throw when he played at Kempsville. ``People love to see it and you really can get something on the ball.''
Jolley was Phelan's inspiration.
``I used to do front hand springs when I was younger,'' he said. ``When I was a freshman, I saw Steve Jolley do it. I thought maybe I should do it, so I practiced it on my own and it just came to me.''
If you haven't witnessed this unorthodox re-start, it is a thing to behold. It never ceases to amaze Kellam coach Don Hart.
``My heart just about stops every time he does it,'' he said. ``I have all the confidence in the world in him, but it still sends a shiver through me when he does it.''
Hart's not alone.
``This year, it's been a motivator for everybody . . . the team, the fans, myself,'' Phelan said. ``All of us have something we bring to the team, and this is what I bring.'' by CNB