GalakStarscraper wrote:Diving Catch is a Tier 1 skill for AG 3 teams with Throwers and Catchers (so namely ... Human, Amazon and Norse ... but especially Humans). On these teams Diving Catch greatly expands their ability to do a passing game. It was not designed for AG 4 catchers or teams without a player with P access and another with A. So saying it is Tier 4 for Skinks is right ... because it was not made for them. However for the teams that it was made for ... its a skill that I've seen many Human Catchers take as their first skill.
I agree with Galak in practice. I have taken Diving Catch on Human Catchers as first skill (in a league) to excellent effect, as have others coaches in our league. Combined with Accurate on one or more Throwers, it gives you a 2+ to 2+ passing game (both with re-rolls), giving you a poor man's Elven team.
Taking Diving Catch on Human Catchers in a tournament does not work, however (I tried it!). But in a league, it is a great first skill.
The team that benefits most from the revision to the Diving Catch rule is Slann (because it enables them to catch an Accurate Pass in a TZ on a 2+). Next to benefit IMO is Humans. After that I would guess 'Zons. In joint 4th come Norse and Orcs (for a passing game to Gobbo receivers with Catch, Diving Catch, Sidestep - I have seen this work well in practice). Apart from Slann, who start with the skill, these are all AG3 teams with Catcher types. Of course, you have to want to develop a passing game for the team in the first place (which may not be the case with Norse, for example, where the Runners make excellent, erm, Runners).
It is hard to make the case for taking the skill on the AG4 teams, with, I suggest one exception. I think that would be Wood Elf Catchers (because they start with both Catch and Dodge, unlike all other AG4 Catcher types). With Diving Catch, the WE Catchers would be able to catch an Accurate Pass in a TZ (in the Slann style, but better, because of Pass and Catch re-rolls). Then they could dodge away. Also good in pouring rain or against Disturbing Presence.
All the best.