How to Ultimate Frisbee

So now that our great personalities have caught your attention, you are (most likely) wondering what Ultimate Frisbee actually is. Here are a few basic guidelines to get you ready to join the greatest team at Mason . . .

What to bring to practice: 

  • A white AND dark shirt (Wear cool, comfortable athletic clothing you feel comfortable getting a little sweaty in)
  • Cleats (running shoes if you don’t have any, but expect to get some if you plan on sticking around!)
  • Water, water, AND EVEN MORE WATER
  • A good attitude and willingness to learn!

And that’s it! (I know, seems pretty simple right?)

The Rules (borrowed from USAUltimate.org):

ULTIMATE IN 10 SIMPLE RULES

  1. The Field: A rectangular shape with end zones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with end zones 25 yards deep.
  2. Initiate Play: Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective end zone line. The defense throws (“pulls”) the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.
  3. Scoring: Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense’s end zone, the offense scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.
  4. Movement of the Disc: The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc (“thrower”) has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower (“marker”) counts out the stall count.
  5. Change of Possession: When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
  6. Substitutions: Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
  7. Non-contact: No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.
  8. Fouls: When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
  9. Self-Officiating: Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
  10. Spirit of the Game: Ultimate stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.Thanks to Steve Courlang and Neal Dambra, 1991, for the development of  “Ultimate in Ten Simple Rules”.

Basic Lingo:

Disc – the plastic thing you throw through the air

Cutter – a player on the field that makes, you know, cuts, to get open to move the disc up the field

Handler – a player on the field whose main job is to move the disc around the field, normally more skilled in throws

Huck – a big throw down the field

Dish – a short pass to a fellow teammate

Bid – a diving attempt to get catch a disc

Layout – a successful bid (AKA you caught the disc after said dive)

Stay Chilly – staying calm, cool, and collected under pressure during a game

Helpful Links

A humorous “how to” guide

Inspirational bad-ass women playing ultimate

More female disc-related bad-assery

EVEN MORE COOL WOMEN DOING COOL THINGS WITH DISCS

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