How To Play Ultimate Frisbee

Summary

In this video, Evan Leer provides an insightful introduction to Ultimate Frisbee, explaining the game's basic rules, strategies, and key moments. The sport is played on an 80-yard field with two teams of seven players. The video covers essential concepts such as the roles of handlers and cutters, types of throws like the backhand, forehand, hammer, and scuber, as well as the importance of creating open space on the field. Additionally, it discusses the self-officiated nature of the sport, the use of referees in UFA, and strategic innovations like double-teaming. The video offers an exciting glimpse into the fast-paced, dynamic world of Ultimate Frisbee.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ultimate frisbee is played on an 80-yard field with two 20-yard end zones, and teams consist of 7 players each.
• 😀 Players cannot run with the frisbee; they must pass it, and once caught, they establish a pivot foot before passing again.
• 😀 The game begins with a 'pull,' or throw-off, and continues until a team scores by passing the frisbee into the opponent's end zone.
• 😀 The most common throws in ultimate are the backhand and forehand, but more advanced throws include the hammer and scuber.
• 😀 Offense is divided into handlers (those holding the frisbee) and cutters (who move to create space and catch passes).
• 😀 Offensive strategies like vertical and horizontal stacks aim to create space for speedy cutters to attack and score.
• 😀 Players need only one foot in bounds to make a catch, and the first point of contact with the ground determines if the catch is in or out.
• 😀 A 'hold' occurs when the offense successfully scores, while a 'break' happens when the defense scores after a turnover.
• 😀 Ultimate frisbee is traditionally self-officiated, with players making their own calls, but the UFA uses referees for calls and has an 'Integrity rule.'
• 😀 The UFA allows double teams (two defenders guarding one thrower), which adds complexity to both defense and offensive strategies.

Q & A

What is the most basic rule of Ultimate Frisbee?

The most basic rule is that the player with the frisbee cannot run with it. They can pass it in any direction or length, but once caught, they must set a pivot foot before throwing it again.

What is the role of a 'mark' in Ultimate Frisbee?

The mark is the defender who guards the thrower. The mark often positions their body at an angle to try to force the thrower to aim for a specific spot on the field, creating a strategic pressure on the throw.

How does possession change after a turnover in Ultimate Frisbee?

If the frisbee hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or is intercepted, the defense immediately becomes the offense without any stoppage of play, which creates a fast-paced flow and constant momentum shifts.

What is a 'break' in Ultimate Frisbee?

A break occurs when the defense scores after the offense turns the frisbee over. This is a significant moment in the game, as it can shift the momentum in favor of the defending team.

What are the main types of throws used in Ultimate Frisbee?

The main throws are the backhand, forehand (or flick), hammer, and scuber. Each has its own unique mechanics and strategic uses depending on the situation.

What is the difference between a hammer and a scuber throw?

A hammer is an overhead throw typically made with a flick grip, which can soar over defenders. A scuber, also using a forehand grip, is thrown flatter and more across the body compared to the hammer's high arc.

What is the purpose of offensive stacks in Ultimate Frisbee?

Offensive stacks, such as vertical, horizontal, or split stacks, are designed to create open space on the field for speedy cutters. These stacks help organize the offense and make it easier to gain yardage and move the disc towards the end zone.

What does it mean to 'hold' in Ultimate Frisbee?

To 'hold' means the offense successfully scores while maintaining possession of the frisbee. This occurs when the offensive team completes a pass into the opponent's end zone without turning over the disc.

What is the 'Spirit of the Game' in Ultimate Frisbee?

Spirit of the Game is a concept that emphasizes fair play and self-officiation. Players are responsible for making their own calls on the field, ensuring a respectful and competitive atmosphere.

How does the UFA differ from traditional Ultimate Frisbee in terms of officiating?

The UFA (Ultimate Frisbee Association) is unique in that it uses referees to call fouls and keep the game moving, unlike traditional Ultimate Frisbee, which is self-officiated. However, the Spirit of the Game is still maintained through rules like the Integrity rule.