Session C7

This session will introduce basic defense strategy – coordinating with teammates to cover different areas of the field.

Preparation: Use cones to set up one field for every eight participants. For this session, the field can be bigger than before if you have the space for it (20m wide, 35m long goal-to-goal, plus 7-8m long endzones). These fields can also be used as playing areas for activities.

Introduction

  • Introduce yourself if you haven’t been with the group before
  • Remind the group what they learned in the previous session
  • Outline any safety considerations for the session

Warm-Up

Angry Waiters

Skills

Introduce using a force

  • Standing to the side of the thrower while marking to try and influence their choice of throw
  • Use cones to divide the field in half and show how the marker can defend one half while guarders defend the other half
  • Run through some examples, swapping players positions each time

Activity

Interceptor

Extra Activity (for longer sessions)

Defend The Zone

Rules Chat

Picks

  • When you are defending a cutter – can someone physically prevent you from sticking with your opponent? (No – ultimate is non-contact). When this does happen, what is it called? (A ‘Pick’)
  • Why do we want to avoid picks? (to prevent collisions that may lead to injuries)
  • Demonstrate a pick occurring – a defender chasing a cutter, and someone runs in between them. Call a pick and use the hand signal – two fists held up with elbows bent (“show your muscles!”)
  • What happens when a pick is called? (if the pick affected what happens to the throw, return the disc to the thrower. If the pick didn’t affect the throw, the outcome of the play stands). Explain that this can be a discussion between multiple players if needed
  • If players can’t agree on the outcome, then reset the game to the last throw
  • How can we avoid picks as a cutter? (being aware of other players on the field, setting up in a different space to other players. This requires awareness and discipline!)

Play Ultimate!

  • Play with five per side on the field
  • Encourage participants to use a force while marking – make sure the whole team agrees which side to force to!
  • Make an effort to ensure everyone is involved
  • Use the CHANGE IT sheet to make adjustments if needed
CHANGE IT (PDF)

Finish up

  • Ask participants to return all cones and discs
  • Revise what was learned during the session – forming a stack to create space for teammates
  • Thank them for playing!