Ultimate Frisbee A presentation by Matthew C. C. F. Vaughan

Ultimate FrisbeeUltimate Frisbee

A presentation by Matthew C. C. F. VaughanA presentation by Matthew C. C. F. Vaughan

General thingsGeneral things

No contact – vertical air spaceNo contact – vertical air space Spirit of the Game: cheesy, but sweet.Spirit of the Game: cheesy, but sweet. Don’t spike the disc unless you’re in the Don’t spike the disc unless you’re in the

College Nationals tournament and you College Nationals tournament and you made a sick bid to win a game.made a sick bid to win a game.

You have to run a lot so get in shapeYou have to run a lot so get in shape Carry your disc with you everywhereCarry your disc with you everywhere

Terms to knowTerms to know HuckHuck: Any long throw (Hail Mary): Any long throw (Hail Mary) Universe PointUniverse Point: when a game is tied 15-15, this is the game-: when a game is tied 15-15, this is the game-

winning pointwinning point Callahan:Callahan: When the defending team intercepts a pass in the When the defending team intercepts a pass in the

other team’s endzone (it DOES count as a point)other team’s endzone (it DOES count as a point) World’s GreatestWorld’s Greatest: When a player jumps : When a player jumps from in-bounds from in-bounds to grab to grab

a disc going out of bounds and throws it in (all in the air)a disc going out of bounds and throws it in (all in the air) BrickBrick: Any pull that lands out of bounds, untouched by the : Any pull that lands out of bounds, untouched by the

receiving team (taken to the Brick Mark 20 yards in front of the receiving team (taken to the Brick Mark 20 yards in front of the endzone) endzone)

““UP”UP”: Called by team on sidelines or on field to let everyone : Called by team on sidelines or on field to let everyone know that the disc has been thrown. know that the disc has been thrown.

BidBid: a try. More commonly: a layout: a try. More commonly: a layout Skyed/Skying/to skySkyed/Skying/to sky: to beat someone vertically to the disc : to beat someone vertically to the disc

(“he skyed him”, “you got skyed”, etc.)(“he skyed him”, “you got skyed”, etc.)

Disc CareDisc Care

Pray to your favorite disc before going to sleepPray to your favorite disc before going to sleep Do NOT let any good disc hit the pavement. If this Do NOT let any good disc hit the pavement. If this

happens, apologize to the disc, then to me, then to the happens, apologize to the disc, then to me, then to the Spirit of the GameSpirit of the Game

Make sure that you catch the first throw of a new disc, Make sure that you catch the first throw of a new disc, for obvious reasonsfor obvious reasons

People steal discs all the time at the league and People steal discs all the time at the league and tournies, but only if they’re laying around on the grass. tournies, but only if they’re laying around on the grass. Keep yours in your bag or with everyone else’s if it’s Keep yours in your bag or with everyone else’s if it’s not being usednot being used

Only take a disc that is not yours if everyone else is Only take a disc that is not yours if everyone else is gone (it has clearly been forgotten), and if it is a really gone (it has clearly been forgotten), and if it is a really sweet disc.sweet disc.

The Physics of Frisbee The Physics of Frisbee FlightFlight

PracticePractice

Everyone brings their own disc (Ultrastar 175), finds Everyone brings their own disc (Ultrastar 175), finds ONE other person to toss with while people are ONE other person to toss with while people are showing up. If odd number, go to 3showing up. If odd number, go to 3

Everyone on this team will have a strong flick. It only Everyone on this team will have a strong flick. It only takes about a week of constantly practicing and it is takes about a week of constantly practicing and it is worth it. If you don’t have a strong flick yet, that’s all worth it. If you don’t have a strong flick yet, that’s all you’ll work on until it becomes strong.you’ll work on until it becomes strong.

We will run for warmup, maybe drills…more than just We will run for warmup, maybe drills…more than just scrimmage.scrimmage.

If a skill of yours is lacking, ask someone to work on it If a skill of yours is lacking, ask someone to work on it with you.with you.

PullPull Both teams must be behind goal line until pull is releasedBoth teams must be behind goal line until pull is released If we’re pulling, start running behind the line, and run down If we’re pulling, start running behind the line, and run down

field to man or zone positionsfield to man or zone positions Yelling is appropriate while either pulling or being pulled toYelling is appropriate while either pulling or being pulled to Only catch easy onesOnly catch easy ones Can’t bring pulls to top of endzone so aim for back cornerCan’t bring pulls to top of endzone so aim for back corner Throwing a high pull gives you more time to set up defenseThrowing a high pull gives you more time to set up defense If you’re pulling, make sure everyone is ready, hold the If you’re pulling, make sure everyone is ready, hold the

disc up and make sure you wait for their signal (raising disc up and make sure you wait for their signal (raising their hand).their hand).

No hammer pulls. Or I’ll break you.No hammer pulls. Or I’ll break you.

Pull (Cont.)Pull (Cont.)

Man D:Man D: ““Line up” - Guard the Line up” - Guard the

person in line with you person in line with you (only when pulling)(only when pulling)

““Count off” – Go down the Count off” – Go down the line saying the number of line saying the number of the person you’re covering the person you’re covering

Pull (Cont.)Pull (Cont.) ““Hold the Line” – When you’re NOT pulling, Hold the Line” – When you’re NOT pulling,

you’re on offense and don’t have to mark up. Get you’re on offense and don’t have to mark up. Get on the line and don’t switch positions so the other on the line and don’t switch positions so the other team can mark you. (technically, one foot should team can mark you. (technically, one foot should be on the goal line, but it’s more important to just be on the goal line, but it’s more important to just not move relative to each other)not move relative to each other)

Pull (Cont.)Pull (Cont.)

If the other team scores, jog in a brisk fashion If the other team scores, jog in a brisk fashion back to our goal line so we can talk about what back to our goal line so we can talk about what happened and how we need to stop it. Don’t happened and how we need to stop it. Don’t walk backwalk back

Technically: 90 seconds max. between points, Technically: 90 seconds max. between points, but no one really keeps track.but no one really keeps track.

Remember to hold the line while we’re talking Remember to hold the line while we’re talking about what to do for the next point.about what to do for the next point.

If playing a good team, we’ll call out offensive If playing a good team, we’ll call out offensive zone positions in case they throw one.zone positions in case they throw one.

MarkingMarking

Other names for defending person with the disc:Other names for defending person with the disc: Disc (“I got disc”=I’m marking the person who’s picking up the disc)Disc (“I got disc”=I’m marking the person who’s picking up the disc) The mark/ Point mark, etc.The mark/ Point mark, etc.

Point BlockPoint Block: Blocking the disc from being thrown (if hand is hit, : Blocking the disc from being thrown (if hand is hit, it’s a foul)it’s a foul)

**The primary objective of the marker is NOT to make a point **The primary objective of the marker is NOT to make a point block. The primary objective is to cut off angles and to limit block. The primary objective is to cut off angles and to limit options for the thrower. **options for the thrower. **

The point block should be attempted only when it does not The point block should be attempted only when it does not jeopardize the primary objective (don’t lose your balance).jeopardize the primary objective (don’t lose your balance).

Keep in mind: turnovers in our favor should generally come from Keep in mind: turnovers in our favor should generally come from good defense on the field, AIDED by the marker limiting the good defense on the field, AIDED by the marker limiting the options of their offense.options of their offense.

Foot block: do in practice before game; don’t lose balance, follow Foot block: do in practice before game; don’t lose balance, follow through with hand (show)through with hand (show)

Marking (Cont.)Marking (Cont.) How to mark:How to mark:

In general, pick a side to force. (show In general, pick a side to force. (show how to force)how to force)

““Force/Forcing Home” force the Force/Forcing Home” force the thrower to throw toward the side of the thrower to throw toward the side of the field that the team is on (where we put field that the team is on (where we put our bags, where people are sitting out)our bags, where people are sitting out)

““Force/Forcing Away” Same, only the Force/Forcing Away” Same, only the side that we’re NOT on.side that we’re NOT on.

Force forehand at the GRADA league Force forehand at the GRADA league because most kids don’t have good because most kids don’t have good flicks (which is why we will)flicks (which is why we will)

Stay on your toes, get low, bend from Stay on your toes, get low, bend from you knees not waist, move with your you knees not waist, move with your legs not arms (in other words, shuffle legs not arms (in other words, shuffle rather than reach), and HOLD THE rather than reach), and HOLD THE FORCEFORCE

Marking (Cont.)Marking (Cont.)

StrikeStrike: Called by people on sidelines or someone who : Called by people on sidelines or someone who sees something the marker doesn’t. It means to switch sees something the marker doesn’t. It means to switch the side you’re forcing for TWO stall counts because the side you’re forcing for TWO stall counts because someone is making a cut to the open side (show).someone is making a cut to the open side (show).

““NO HUCK”NO HUCK”: Again, yelled by someone who sees : Again, yelled by someone who sees something the marker doesn’t. It means someone is something the marker doesn’t. It means someone is cutting long so don’t let them huck it. Get in front of the cutting long so don’t let them huck it. Get in front of the thrower with arms low, etc. (show)thrower with arms low, etc. (show)

Call “UP” when the disc is thrownCall “UP” when the disc is thrown Don’t over-commit or take reckless chances to make a Don’t over-commit or take reckless chances to make a

point block.point block.

ThrowingThrowing

According to the rules, the disc is allowed to leave the thrower’s According to the rules, the disc is allowed to leave the thrower’s hand in any way.hand in any way.

Never use a thumb throw. Ever.Never use a thumb throw. Ever. If you ever find yourself avoiding throws because it requires the If you ever find yourself avoiding throws because it requires the

flick, work on your flick until you bleed.flick, work on your flick until you bleed. Never throw across your body (for right handed people: throwing Never throw across your body (for right handed people: throwing

to right side? Flick. Left side? Backhand)to right side? Flick. Left side? Backhand) Use feet appropriately to coincide with not crossing over your Use feet appropriately to coincide with not crossing over your

body to throw (Show).body to throw (Show). Outside In/Inside OutOutside In/Inside Out: Angle the disc slightly so it floats from the : Angle the disc slightly so it floats from the

outside in/ from the inside outoutside in/ from the inside out In general, accept the force that the defender throws on you. In general, accept the force that the defender throws on you. Breaking the ForceBreaking the Force: throwing to the side that is NOT being forced : throwing to the side that is NOT being forced

(the side that they don’t want you to throw to). This is utilized at (the side that they don’t want you to throw to). This is utilized at higher levels of play, but avoid it for now.higher levels of play, but avoid it for now.

Throwing (Cont.)Throwing (Cont.)

The The HUCKHUCK:: Everyone should have a good forehand and backhand huck.Everyone should have a good forehand and backhand huck.

For a good huck, use your arm for power, and angle the disc in an For a good huck, use your arm for power, and angle the disc in an inside-out way so it levels out (show).inside-out way so it levels out (show).

Usually teams who are not very good get one kid who can Usually teams who are not very good get one kid who can throw to huck it down the field every play. We won’t do this throw to huck it down the field every play. We won’t do this unless the situation calls for itunless the situation calls for it

Use your judgment if there is a quick turnover and someone Use your judgment if there is a quick turnover and someone gets a good head start down the field.gets a good head start down the field.

Put float on the disc accordingly (the more wide open they are, Put float on the disc accordingly (the more wide open they are, the more float should be on the disc to give them more time to the more float should be on the disc to give them more time to not screw up)not screw up)

Hucking can lead to easy points, but should not be relied Hucking can lead to easy points, but should not be relied upon.upon.


Regular throws to cutters should be crisp, and to their Regular throws to cutters should be crisp, and to their waist/ stomach area. Higher throws are more waist/ stomach area. Higher throws are more vulnerable.vulnerable.

When tossing the disc around, practice making good When tossing the disc around, practice making good throws that you would do in a game, not just throws throws that you would do in a game, not just throws that get to the personthat get to the person

Special throwsSpecial throws HammerHammer: Not simply an upside down throw. Its purpose is to : Not simply an upside down throw. Its purpose is to

be released high to go over the head of the mark. Will be be released high to go over the head of the mark. Will be used only as a LAST resort (stall 8-9) when there is no dump used only as a LAST resort (stall 8-9) when there is no dump (which shouldn’t happen anyway).(which shouldn’t happen anyway).

Scoop/ScooberScoop/Scoober: Upside throw, but on backhand side. Used : Upside throw, but on backhand side. Used sometimes to break the cup (show) or for people who think sometimes to break the cup (show) or for people who think they’re really good to show offthey’re really good to show off


Fakes: Used to throw the marker off Fakes: Used to throw the marker off balancebalance Generally, only fake when someone is Generally, only fake when someone is

cutting.cutting. Faking can include a twitch of the arm, pump Faking can include a twitch of the arm, pump

fake, or just a look (show)fake, or just a look (show) All good players use fakes, and it’s easier to All good players use fakes, and it’s easier to

mark someone who isn’t faking… so use mark someone who isn’t faking… so use fakes.fakes.

CatchingCatching

USE TWO HANDS (unless you can’t). There is no USE TWO HANDS (unless you can’t). There is no reason not to and it makes drops less likelyreason not to and it makes drops less likely

ALWAYS go to the disc. Always.ALWAYS go to the disc. Always. Learn how high you can jumpLearn how high you can jump When on defense, ALWAYS go for the catch. Do not When on defense, ALWAYS go for the catch. Do not

swat the disc down or just hit it. This leads to swat the disc down or just hit it. This leads to disastrous consequences.disastrous consequences.

Fingers down for low throws (show)Fingers down for low throws (show) When at practice, consciously practice catching with When at practice, consciously practice catching with

right hand only and left hand only to build coordinationright hand only and left hand only to build coordination How to sky: start with arm back, jump and drive knee How to sky: start with arm back, jump and drive knee

upup

LAYING OUTLAYING OUT

Laying out is awesome.Laying out is awesome. Everyone will lay outEveryone will lay out Dive so your body is parallel Dive so your body is parallel

to the ground, and land on to the ground, and land on your entire your entire stomach/chest/legs to stomach/chest/legs to increase surface area and increase surface area and decrease pain.decrease pain.

Layouts only hurt when you Layouts only hurt when you don’t catch the discdon’t catch the disc

When someone has the When someone has the chance to lay out, everyone chance to lay out, everyone on the team must yell “LAY on the team must yell “LAY OUT” at them to incite a sick OUT” at them to incite a sick bidbid

DefenseDefense

Good defense Good defense wins gameswins games because it stops them from scoring, because it stops them from scoring, but more importantly, gets turnovers.but more importantly, gets turnovers.

Analyze situation based on type of person you’re defending Analyze situation based on type of person you’re defending (tall/fast/slow/novice/good person, etc.)(tall/fast/slow/novice/good person, etc.)

COMMUNICATION is ultimately the most important aspect of a COMMUNICATION is ultimately the most important aspect of a good defense. Always be yelling, people on sidelines especially.good defense. Always be yelling, people on sidelines especially.

Man on man:Man on man: Stay with them at all costs, but not right on top of them. That can be Stay with them at all costs, but not right on top of them. That can be

risky because they can cut away from yourisky because they can cut away from you Usually, primary objective is to not let them get available for a pass. Usually, primary objective is to not let them get available for a pass.

Cut off anglesCut off angles If they get in a stack, get on the side that’s being forced, and give If they get in a stack, get on the side that’s being forced, and give

them room to start running, cutting off the angle (show)them room to start running, cutting off the angle (show) In GRADA league you’ll get kids who run around all day and no one In GRADA league you’ll get kids who run around all day and no one

throws it to them. In this case, conserve energy by cutting off angles, throws it to them. In this case, conserve energy by cutting off angles, but don’t let them get away from you.but don’t let them get away from you.

Defense (Cont.)Defense (Cont.)

SwitchingSwitching: You should swap people you’re guarding in : You should swap people you’re guarding in certain situations, but make sure your teammate knows certain situations, but make sure your teammate knows what’s going on and that you’ve switched.what’s going on and that you’ve switched.

PoachingPoaching: When a defender leaves the person they’re : When a defender leaves the person they’re guarding to help out with another potential threat. Use guarding to help out with another potential threat. Use judgment (obviously someone in the endzone is more judgment (obviously someone in the endzone is more important, but be careful about leaving your person)important, but be careful about leaving your person)

Laying Out on DLaying Out on D: Is a sign that you didn’t mark the : Is a sign that you didn’t mark the person well in the first place, but is still awesome. person well in the first place, but is still awesome. Make sure that if you fail in a layout D attempt that you Make sure that if you fail in a layout D attempt that you jump right back up to mark the disc. Also, laying out on jump right back up to mark the disc. Also, laying out on D when you clearly don’t have to is good because it D when you clearly don’t have to is good because it psyches the other team out.psyches the other team out.

Zone DefenseZone Defense

Zone/Cup Defense: Any defense where defenders Zone/Cup Defense: Any defense where defenders are guarding a certain area of the field rather than are guarding a certain area of the field rather than a specific player (just like any other game). a specific player (just like any other game). More specifically in Ultimate, the zone tries to stop More specifically in Ultimate, the zone tries to stop

progress of their offense by covering dangerous parts progress of their offense by covering dangerous parts of the field, and force the offense into making risky of the field, and force the offense into making risky throws to force a turnover.throws to force a turnover.

Every good team has a zone defense and zone Every good team has a zone defense and zone offense. Usually games start out man to man, then if a offense. Usually games start out man to man, then if a team is having a hard time they throw a zone.team is having a hard time they throw a zone.

Good for windy days because their throws are more Good for windy days because their throws are more likely to be turned over.likely to be turned over.

Zone Defense (Cont.)Zone Defense (Cont.)


Basic Positions:Basic Positions: Cup (In the cup)Cup (In the cup): Creates a U-shaped “cup” around : Creates a U-shaped “cup” around

the mark/handlers to prevent up-field movementthe mark/handlers to prevent up-field movement Left/Right: Depending on what side of the field the disc is on, Left/Right: Depending on what side of the field the disc is on,

one of these players marks the disc and one of these players marks the disc and forces the mark back forces the mark back into the cupinto the cup, while the other one prevents lateral throws., while the other one prevents lateral throws.

Middle: Prevents throws up the middleMiddle: Prevents throws up the middle Keep in mind, on the person on the mark can be on the Keep in mind, on the person on the mark can be on the

thrower. All others must stay beyond thrower. All others must stay beyond three meters three meters of the mark.of the mark. The cup will run full speed at the pull to set up and prevent The cup will run full speed at the pull to set up and prevent

offensive progress (make sure it is a high pull if we are offensive progress (make sure it is a high pull if we are throwing a cup to give us more time to set up)throwing a cup to give us more time to set up)


Left/Right WingsLeft/Right Wings:: Prevents offense from advancing Prevents offense from advancing up the alleys (covers cutters who move in after up the alleys (covers cutters who move in after dump/swing (to be discussed later))dump/swing (to be discussed later)) Should stay hovering in the center to clog things up for the Should stay hovering in the center to clog things up for the

offense, but move out to the lines when they see a threat. offense, but move out to the lines when they see a threat. Communication is important here.Communication is important here.

There will be people that you’ll be covering, but don’t There will be people that you’ll be covering, but don’t actually be on them unless there is an immediate threat actually be on them unless there is an immediate threat (show)(show)

VERY important position because when the wings fail, the VERY important position because when the wings fail, the cup can easily fall apart and the offense has an easy shot cup can easily fall apart and the offense has an easy shot at proceeding to the endzone.at proceeding to the endzone.


Short-Deep/Deep-deep OR Middle/DeepShort-Deep/Deep-deep OR Middle/Deep: These : These are two positions to prevent long throwsare two positions to prevent long throws They have no backupsThey have no backups They can switch as they see necessaryThey can switch as they see necessary Usually offset to cover more areaUsually offset to cover more area Short-deep: Prevents throws over top of the cup, helps out Short-deep: Prevents throws over top of the cup, helps out

the cup in generalthe cup in general Deep-deep: Basically just plays deep defense. They can Deep-deep: Basically just plays deep defense. They can

call on a wing for help if they see a big threat.call on a wing for help if they see a big threat.

Zone OffenseZone Offense

For our purposes, the zone offense will For our purposes, the zone offense will only be used when the other team throws only be used when the other team throws a zone defense on us.a zone defense on us. A regular stack and cut offense will be easily A regular stack and cut offense will be easily

stopped by a zone defense, so we have to stopped by a zone defense, so we have to throw a zone offense.throw a zone offense.

Zone Offense (Cont.)Zone Offense (Cont.)


Basic Positions:Basic Positions: HandlersHandlers: three people with good throwing and : three people with good throwing and

catching skills.catching skills. Dump-Swing to get the disc out of the cup. The cup will Dump-Swing to get the disc out of the cup. The cup will

follow the disc, and the handlers will keep dumping and follow the disc, and the handlers will keep dumping and swinging until something opens up up-field with the wings.swinging until something opens up up-field with the wings.

WingsWings: They make cuts as the handler receives the : They make cuts as the handler receives the disc.disc. If the If the oppositeopposite wing receives the disc, the wing on the other wing receives the disc, the wing on the other

side makes a cut (to the endzone or across the field side makes a cut (to the endzone or across the field depending on where the defenders are)depending on where the defenders are)


PoppersPoppers: Position themselves right outside : Position themselves right outside the cup.the cup. The poppers hang out behind the cup, and either The poppers hang out behind the cup, and either

get throws from the mark to there (which is risky) get throws from the mark to there (which is risky) or cut right into the cup.or cut right into the cup.

When the poppers “pop” into the cup, the thrower When the poppers “pop” into the cup, the thrower either fakes to him or passes to him.either fakes to him or passes to him.

A fake to a popper in the cup makes one of the side A fake to a popper in the cup makes one of the side cup defenders move inward. This makes room for a cup defenders move inward. This makes room for a throw to either a wing or a handler who has moved up throw to either a wing or a handler who has moved up field (show)field (show)


Some things to remember with the zone offense:Some things to remember with the zone offense: Zone defenses are more common when it’s windy, therefore Zone defenses are more common when it’s windy, therefore

zone offenses will be used when it’s windy. Handlers have to zone offenses will be used when it’s windy. Handlers have to be very careful.be very careful.

If you have good handlers, dump/swinging all day can really If you have good handlers, dump/swinging all day can really tire out the cup.tire out the cup.

The cut from the wing should be while the disc is in the air to The cut from the wing should be while the disc is in the air to the handler (show)the handler (show)

Any progress up the field should be taken advantage of so the Any progress up the field should be taken advantage of so the cup can’t reform, but NOT at the expense of a reckless throw.cup can’t reform, but NOT at the expense of a reckless throw.

Variations/other typesVariations/other types

Stack/CuttingStack/Cutting

Documents

Ultimate Frisbee A presentation by Matthew C. C. F. Vaughan