Ultimate
An introduction to Ultimate to get you started...
Ultimate is a fast moving, non-contact team sport, comprising of 2 teams of 7 players. It can be played indoor or outdoor, and the teams can also be 5v5 or 6v6. The official pitch size is 90m x 35m, however much smaller pitches are more suitable for beginners and young players.
Ultimate has many similarities to many other invasion games. Ultimate players possess a degree of speed, stamina and agility to play to a good level. It’s very simple for beginners (both boys and girls) as young as 7 & 8 year olds to pick up, by adapting the rules to suit their needs.
The Discraft Ultra-Star is the official disc of Ultimate, approved and recommended by the Ultimate Players Association (UPA). The light weight and rubber edges make the Aerobie Superdisc ideal for younger players and beginners, while the Discraft Sky-Pro is the perfect intermediary.
How to Play Ultimate
The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a teammate who makes a catch inside the opponent’s ‘end-zone’. Players in possession of the disc are not allowed to walk or run the disc. Players must keep possession of the disc by successfully passing it to teammates. A misguided throw or drop catch that hits the ground is a ‘turnover’, which means possession is handed to the other team. A throw may also be intercepted by a defender by them catching the disc or by knocking the disc to the ground.
Both teams lined up on their goal lines. The disc is ‘pulled’ to the opposition for the receivers to pick up and begin their offence.
After a point is scored, play begins again from this set-up (with the teams changing ends after each point).
Players can cross their goal line the instant the disc is released on the ‘pull’. The defenders run forwards to pick up their mark and the offence spread out across the pitch into their offencive positions. One player, known as the ‘handler’, picks up the disc.
The disc can be thrown in any direction, but once a defender marks a player, they have just 10 seconds to throw the disc. This is called a ‘stall count’ which applies when a marker calls out “stalling 1, 2, 3…” Strictly speaking, the disc must be released within this time or possession is turned over. Only one defender is allowed to mark the player with the disc.
After each point the teams change end and the scoring team then keeps hold of the disc, so that they pull from the same end as they scored at. The pull must be made only when the opposition give the signal to throw.
The winners are the first team to score a set number of points (usually 15) with a lead of two points or more.
For Beginners
The objectives for beginners during their first few games should be to learn the basic rules, get involved and have fun. Once everyone is comfortable with the general concept and basic rules, additional rules can be introduced, one at a time.
For beginners, there is no need to be strict with the sidelines, only the lines that define the end-zone are critical.
The ‘10 second rule’ is not necessary for new players because it adds unnecessary stress on the thrower and defender. Most new players actually tend to throw the disc with too much haste and need to be reminded to take more time! Introduce this rule once it will add value to the game.
Once the rules are understood, then simple defencive and offensive strategies can be introduced to help promote effective team play. The Disc Sports Pocket Handbook includes information on the basic strategies for Ultimate.
No Need for Referees!
If players are unable to come to an agreement about an incident, all players go back to where they were before the incident occurred, the disc is returned to the previous thrower and play continues from there. There are no yellow or red cards in Ultimate and there is no need for a referee. Instead, the players themselves are responsible for governing the course of the game.
As ultimate is a non-contact sport, it is a foul when a marker touches the disc, hand or arm before the disc is released. When a foul occurs, a player directly involved will call ‘foul!”. Play stops, and agreement is reached about the nature of the incident, then players resume their positions to continue as though nothing happened.
The Ultimate Team Sport!
Agility, balance & coordination - changing direction and stretching or diving to throw and catch the disc.
Power & strength – for accelerating, stopping, changing direction, jumping and throwing the disc.
Coordination & technical skill – throwing the disc with intended direction, speed, trajectory and timing, while under pressure from a defender.
Visual & spatial awareness – of team mates, the opposition, opportunities and threats.
Communication – to coordinate with teammates and keep to the ‘Spirit of the Game’ by interacting respectfully and honestly with players of both teams.
Strategic intelligence, patience & flexibility – for competitive advantage, strategies must be learned, practiced and then implemented into the game.
Want to Play?
Matt our Bristol based coach runs the training sessions for Bristol Plastic Factory 2nd team who compete in the UKUA national B-tour. It is a development and feeder team for the first team who are challenging to be one of the best sides in the country. However don't let this put you off they're a friendly bunch and always welcome beginners. Bring along a white and a dark top, football/rugby boots, water. Training on tuesdays at 7pm with sprint work, followed by some drills and then a game finishing at 9pm. Broad Plain Rugby Club, off St.John's Lane, Bristol. £3 (pay for the floodlights!). Please contact matt before you turn up - just to confirm the time and venue.
Video Clips and Links
If you have never heard of Ultimate, then watch this. It provides a decent introduction to the sport.
For the official rules, go to the WFDF site. Link to WFDF Ultimate info sheet. Link to WFDF Ultimate in 10 simple rules.
To learn more about the core skills, stratergies and training methods, visit the Ultimate Handbook web-site or get your copy of The Disc Sports Pocket Handbook.
