Getting Started

How to play the game, basic rules and what discs to use.

 

Ultimate Discs

The Discraft 175g Ultra-Star is approved and recommended by the Ultimate Players Association (UPA) and has been the most popular disc in Ultimate for over 25 years. They are available in a wide range of designs and colours, but only white discs should be used for match play.

The Aerobie Superdisc is a fantastic disc to start with, especially for children, because it's so easy to throw and catch. The light weight and rubber edges make it ideal for younger players and beginners and serves as an excellent training disc for learning a wide range of basic skills. However, it is advisable to move onto a Ultra-Star or J-Star once the basics have been mastered. The 145g J-Star is a good alternative to the 175g Ultra-Star for younger players as as its lower weight makes it better suited for under 13’s.  It is recognised as the official disc for junior Ultimate leagues.

 

How to Play

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 holding the disc so in order to move the disc up the pitch players must make successful passes to their teammates.

A misguided throw or a dropped 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 if they catch the disc or knock it to the ground, again causing a turnover.

To start a point both teams line 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 in possession 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.

 

 

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. 

 

For all the rules, go to the WFDF site. Also check out the WFDF Ultimate info sheet and WFDF Ultimate in 10 simple rules.