The Ultimate Crash Course - Part 2

So now that you know the basics, it's time to really learn how to play Ultimate Frisbee. While it is not an incredibly complex game this post will cover a whole lot of information, so take the time to read until everything clicks.

Explaining every rule separately would be very difficult, so we're going to observe an example point in Ultimate Frisbee which I will narrate and explain. Afterwards there will be a recap to make sure all the important points are obvious.

Here is an example Ultimate Frisbee field with two teams of seven, ready to play. First thing is first, to start the point, one of the teams (the blue team on the left in this case) must throw the Frisbee to the other team across the field; this is the throw-off. The opposite team (the red team on the right) will then retrieve the Frisbee and attempt to work it's way up the field.

One of the most important rules in Ultimate Frisbee now comes into play. This rule states that whoever is in possession of the Frisbee must not move from the place they are standing. The red team has obtained the Frisbee and is now passing up the field, each player stopping in place once they get the disc. If the red team successfully passes all the way up to the opposing end zone, they score a point. 

But what about the blue team? They have to be doing something while the red team attacks, right? The team that does not currently have possession of the Frisbee is tasked with keeping the attacking team out of the defending end zone. The blue team has to do whatever they can to keep the red team from scoring, barring physical harm or roughing. In this example, the blue team intercepted a pass from the red team and passed it back the other direction to score in the red goal.

This brings up another very important rule in Ultimate Frisbee. If the disc ever hits the ground after being thrown or is intercepted by the defending team then the defending team gains possession of the Frisbee and becomes the attacking team. This is a turnover, and it is a crucial part of Ultimate Frisbee.

So let's review the main points from this crash course:

• One team throws to the other to start the point
• The goal of the attacking team is to pass the disc up the field and catch it in the end zone to score
• The goal of the defending team is to keep the attacking team from scoring, optimally by causing a turnover and attacking to score
• Once someone comes into possession of the Frisbee they must stop in place
• If the Frisbee hits the ground possession is turned over to the defending team

There you have it. Those are the things anyone needs to know to play Ultimate Frisbee. Consider yourself prepared. There are even more rules, but they are more akin to nuances and will be discussed at some point in the future. Now get out there and play some Frisbee.

What is ultimate frisbee?. (2000, August 14). Retrieved from http://www.whatisultimate.com/what/what_game_en.html

The Ultimate Crash Course - Part 1

Like many other sports, Ultimate Frisbee revolves around a set of conventions and rules. Things such as field size, disc type, scoring, and fouls all fit into these categories. This post will cover the basic things you need to know to be able to play Ultimate Frisbee. In the not-too-distant future we'll be talking about the more nuanced rules and regulations, but for now we'll be sticking to the basics.

To play Ultimate Frisbee, one must first understand the game they are playing. Here are some of the most basic pieces of the Ultimate formula.

• Ultimate Frisbee can be played in any flat, open area inside a field akin to a football field. (see figure 1)
• The Frisbee, or disc typically used is a standard size, 175 gram Frisbee. Discraft Frisbees are a fine example.
• There are typically seven players to a team making for 14 on the field at once.
• There are no referees in Ultimate Frisbee, so it is up to the players to be honest and fair. This is called the Spirit of the Game (more on that in another post). 

Figure 1. A typical Ultimate Frisbee Field 

Now you know the absolute basics of Ultimate Frisbee including field layout and number of players. But wait! That doesn't mean you're ready to take on the world quite yet. There is still a lot more to learn. Fortunately, this is only part one of a two part crash course in Ultimate Frisbee. Part two will delve into the specific rules that form the game, and will prepare you to play the game of Ultimate Frisbee. 

Bridging the Gap - The Start of Something New

Ultimate Frisbee is an established, yet growing sport played around the world. The game revolves around the use of a Frisbee and a field slightly larger than an American football field. This sport is still in its infant stages, however. While there are many players and places to play, organized play is just gaining a foothold and detailed information is somewhat difficult to come by.

Therefore I will be making this blog as a place for all things Ultimate Frisbee. This will include:

     ·         Basic and advanced guides on how to play Ultimate Frisbee

     ·         Details on tournaments, local and non-local

     ·         How to practice for Ultimate Frisbee     

     ·         Injuries and how to avoid them

     ·         Cultural and communal implications of Ultimate Frisbee

This is only the tip of the Frisbee. There is much more to talk about and I will be going into detail about everything Ultimate Frisbee as I create this blog.

A blog such as this may seem trivial, but take a look at the informational options currently available. There are websites that can explain the basics of Ultimate Frisbee such as usaultimate.org or ultimatefrisbeerules.org, but these websites merely explain the game and how it is played. An easily accessible, organic, first-hand-experience guide to Ultimate Frisbee is not readily available. This blog will help fill that void.

Why am I qualified to write such a detailed blog? I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee for six years and have played in most every play setting available. This includes intramural, pick-up, collegiate, and tournament; the four main ways Ultimate Frisbee is played today.

The mission of this blog is to become a place where any player, beginner or veteran, can visit and learn something they may not have known. It will be a source for any and all to understand the wonderful game of Ultimate Frisbee.